OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A 47-year-old Ocala man was arrested Saturday after deputies responded to a reported domestic battery in progress and found a woman with visible facial injuries.
Deputies were dispatched to a residence on SE 37th Avenue Road shortly after 4 a.m. Saturday, June 20, 2026, in reference to a domestic disturbance. According to the report, the suspect’s son told deputies his father, David Stenger, was physically attacking his girlfriend.
When deputies entered the home, they reported finding Stenger throwing items in the living room. Investigators also observed the victim coming downstairs with blood on her face. Deputies detained Stenger while they continued their investigation.
The report states that Stenger’s son told deputies he had driven his father to the residence so he could speak to the victim, who was staying there overnight. He said he remained downstairs while Stenger went upstairs. A short time later, he reportedly heard noises coming from the upper level of the home and went to investigate. He found Stenger standing over the victim and striking her. He attempted to intervene but was unable to restrain him before calling authorities.
Deputies reported the victim had blood on the right side of her face, bruising near her right temple and discoloration around one eye. The victim told deputies she had been asleep when she was awakened by Stenger confronting her about relationship issues. She told investigators the argument stemmed from Stenger learning she had recently been intimate with an ex-boyfriend.
The victim told deputies Stenger repeatedly struck her with an open hand and followed her through the home during the altercation. She also reported that Stenger damaged her cellphone during the incident but declined to pursue criminal charges related to the property damage. Investigators noted the victim was emotional and had difficulty recalling some details of the incident while being interviewed.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Stenger invoked his right to remain silent and declined to provide a statement. Deputies arrested Stenger on a charge of simple battery involving dating violence. The report states the couple had been in an intimate relationship for approximately six months.
Marion County Jail records show Stenger was released June 21 on a $1,500 bond.
