LAKE CITY, Fla. -- A Lake City man was arrested on charges he hit a pregnant woman and the Good Samaritan who tried to help her.
Police say Nathan A. Gilliard, 24, was arrested Sunday and charged with aggravated battery of a pregnant woman as well as battery, criminal mischief and battery on a law enforcement officer.
At about 6:30 p.m., 29-year-old Carla Jo Mendleson, who is seven months pregnant, said she picked up Gilliard alongside State Road 247 and gave him a ride to the Publix parking lot. When she asked Gilliard to exit her vehicle, he began to attack her. During this attack, Mendelson was unable to defend herself or exit her vehicle. Officers were not able to confirm any type of relationship between the two.
A passer-by tried to rescue Mendelson but Gilliard also got injured in the attack.
Gilliard was booked in the Columbia County Detention Center on $92,000 bond.
Anyone having information about this incident or others can contact the Lake City Police Department anonymously on the TIP line at (386) 719-2068.
