Domestic abuse victim escapes abusive boyfriend by slipping note to her dog's vet asking for help
Law enforcement authorities reported that a distressed woman in Florida was rescued after she slipped a note to a veterinarian calling for help as she was in an abusive relationship with her armed boyfriend who was threatening and beating her.
The Volusia County Sheriff's Office said that Carolyn Reichle was held captive by her boyfriend, 39-year-old Jeremy Floyd, for two days in their Volusia County home. Reichle claimed that her boyfriend repeatedly beat her on Wednesday and threatened her at gunpoint.
The 28-year-old also reported that at one point, the couple struggled over a handgun that fired inside their home. The following day, Reichle spent at home trying to recover from a head injury she sustained from the fight. Realizing that she could not bear it anymore, she devised an escape plan.
She was able to convince Floyd that she had to take her dog to the DeLand Animal Hospital. Floyd allowed her to do that, but the 39-year-old, a convicted felon, insisted on going along with her. “On the drive to the vet, Floyd reportedly again pointed the gun at Reichle, threatening to kill her and her family,” police said.
Concluding that this was her only chance of escaping the abuse, Reichle slipped a note to the veterinarian fearing for her life. It read, "Call the cops. My boyfriend is threatening me. He has a gun. Please don't let him know."
The good doctor immediately called law enforcement at DeLand Police Department who responded within minutes. They arrested the boyfriend and took him into custody. Police said they recovered a handgun from him.
However, officers who detained Floyd contacted the Volusia County Sheriff's Office because it was a case of domestic violence.
According to the Sheriff's office, the 28-year-old rushed to the hospital where medical authorities treated her for injuries from the said abuse. These included a head wound, bruises, and a black eye. Upon further investigation into the couple's house, deputies discovered two bullet holes in a hallway, which passed through drywall and into another room in their house.
Police further reported that Floyd was charged with domestic violence. The charge sheet included possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, simple battery, aggravated assault with a firearm and false imprisonment.
As of now, Floyd is being held in Volusia County Branch jail without bail.
Any domestic abuse and violence can be reported to Volusia County Sheriff at +1 386-736-5961.