A Gainesville man was arrested after police said he punched a pregnant woman in the stomach Monday morning.
Richard Nelson Forte Jr., 26, got into a fight with two witnesses and the victim — who he knew was pregnant — while trying to retrieve his keys and cellphone charger from the victim’s residence at 3101 NE 15th St.
Gainesville Police said Forte spent the night at the residence Sunday. Although the victim did not let him in again at about 9 a.m. Monday, Forte was able to get inside.
Once inside, he went to the victim’s bedroom to retrieve his belongings. The victim and a witness tried again to make him leave, igniting a fight between Forte and one of the witnesses, according to a report.
The victim intervened to try to make Forte leave again. Forte then punched the 2-month pregnant victim’s stomach.
The victim told police Forte was aware of her pregnancy because he went to the doctor’s appointment when they were both notified.
After he was read his rights, Forte denied ever hitting the victim.
He was arrested on charges of aggravated battery of a pregnant female. His bond is set at $10,000.
[A version of this story ran on page 9 on 10/1/2014]
