A Village of Hillsborough man was arrested after a fight with a 72-year-old woman over a seat Wednesday night at Spanish Springs Town Square.
Bruce Raymond Benard of 3525 Nance Run is facing a charge of battery after he allegedly grabbed the woman’s wrist “very hard” and stomped on her left foot two times in an attempt to remove her from a chair, according to a report from the Lady Lake Police Department.
The woman told police she was at town square and observed some empty seating, so she took a seat. Bruce Benard confronted her about sitting in seats he had reserved for his friends and family and threatened to throw her off the chair if she did not move, the report indicated.
The woman said she told Benard she would move in a minute and that’s when the attack began, the report said.
The woman told police she felt like his arms were ready to come down on her.
When police interviewed Benard he said, “she should have moved and I have a right to stand up for myself and stand my ground.” He admitted to grabbing the woman.
Two witnesses confirmed the woman’s version of events.
Benard was booked at the Lake County Jail. He was released after posting $1,000 bond.
Saving seats at the square has frequently prompted tempers to flare. You can read more HERE
