A Florida couple is facing criminal charges after police say they violently attacked a mother in a parking lot following a disagreement over how she disciplined her child.
Authorities claim the confrontation quickly escalated from a verbal argument into a physical assault that left the woman injured and partially exposed in public while her young son watched nearby. Investigators say the incident happened after the couple allegedly confronted the mother about her parenting style and refused to let her leave the area.
Florida Couple Accused of Attacking Mother in Parking Lot
Florida residents Mary Williams and Terry Williams have both been charged after police investigated an alleged assault involving a mother and her child in a parking lot.
According to court records, Mary Williams is facing charges of battery causing bodily harm and burglary of a conveyance. Her husband, Terry Williams, has also been charged with battery.
The incident reportedly happened on Wednesday evening in the 5400 block of South University Drive when officers with the Davie Police Department responded to reports of an active fight.
Argument Started Over Child Discipline
According to the probable cause affidavit, the confrontation began after the mother disciplined her young son in public.
The woman reportedly told police her son had been misbehaving and had spit in her face. In response, she admitted she smacked the child once on the mouth and once on the side of his torso.
Investigators say Terry Williams then approached the woman and allegedly identified himself as an employee of the Department of Children and Families, often known as DCF.
According to police documents, Terry Williams reportedly told the mother she should not yell at or physically discipline her child. The mother allegedly responded by telling him to leave them alone, and he initially walked away from the situation.
Police Say Situation Turned Violent
Authorities say the situation escalated shortly afterward when Mary Williams allegedly approached the mother aggressively to continue discussing her parenting.
According to investigators, the mother tried placing her son into the backseat of her Honda Civic so they could leave the area. However, police claim Mary Williams stepped between the woman and the vehicle, preventing her from getting inside.
The affidavit states that when the mother attempted to move Mary Williams aside, a violent struggle began.
Police allege Mary Williams scratched and choked the woman during the confrontation. The victim reportedly told investigators she struggled to breathe and feared she might lose consciousness.
Victim’s Shirt Allegedly Ripped Off During Fight
According to police, the physical altercation intensified when Mary Williams allegedly grabbed onto the woman’s shirt after releasing her throat.
Investigators claim Terry Williams then returned and grabbed the victim by her shirt and hair.
Authorities said the force used by both individuals allegedly tore the woman’s shirt completely off during the struggle, leaving her standing in public wearing only a bra.
A witness who reportedly observed the incident told police the mother appeared to be trying to escape while both Terry and Mary Williams continued pulling at her hair and clothing.
The witness also reportedly stated that the woman was not actively fighting back during the incident.
Mary Williams Also Accused of Entering Victim’s Car
Police allege the confrontation did not end after the victim managed to separate herself from the couple.
According to the affidavit, Mary Williams allegedly opened the driver-side door of the victim’s vehicle, entered the car, turned off the engine, removed the keys, and took them away.
Responding officers documented several injuries on the victim, including scratch marks on her throat that investigators said were consistent with choking. Police also noted a cut on her lower lip.
Questions Raised About DCF Claims
According to investigators, Terry Williams initially claimed he worked for the Department of Children and Families during the confrontation.
However, police later reportedly confirmed that Mary Williams did not work for DCF. Authorities did not clarify whether Terry Williams actually had any connection to the agency.
Investigators stated that the claims about working for DCF appeared to have played a role in how the confrontation began.
Couple Released on Bond
Mary and Terry Williams were both later arrested in connection with the incident.
Court records show the couple had been released from jail on bond as of Friday afternoon. Authorities have not yet announced when they are expected to appear in court again.
