Abused woman held captive by boyfriend saved by rescue note slipped to vet staff

During Memorial Day Weekend 2018, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office in Florida released a report stating that Carolyn Reichle, 28, of DeLand, was treated for injuries Friday evening and that her live-in boyfriend, Jeremy Floyd, 39, is in custody after Reichle was beaten on Wednesday and threatened by Floyd at gunpoint while he held her captive in their home for two days.  Reichle had to spend all day in bed on Thursday due to a head injury allegedly sustained by her abusive boyfriend.

But by Friday afternoon, the quick-thinking victim managed to convince Floyd to let her bring their dog to DeLand Animal Hospital.  Floyd reluctantly agreed but insisted on accompanying her, all the while armed with a loaded handgun. At the animal hospital, Reichle went into the vet’s restroom, leaving Floyd alone with their dog. And that’s when she sought help from a vet staff member, according to The Washington Post.

At the veterinary hospital, the woman managed to alert authorities by slipping a note to a vet staff member that said: “Call the cops. My boyfriend is threatening me. He has a gun. Please don’t let him know.”  ~ per Volusia County Sheriff’s Office

The staff member called law enforcement after receiving the note. DeLand police were the first to arrive on the scene. Police arrested Floyd and secured his handgun. Volusia County sheriff’s deputies were called because the domestic violence crimes took place at the couple’s home in the 900 block of South Amelia Avenue which is located in Volusia County.

Deputies arrested Floyd, a convicted felon, after the visibly injured girlfriend told them that Floyd repeatedly battered her on Wednesday night, threatened her at gunpoint and physically prevented her from leaving their home. During the incident, the two struggled over the handgun and that the gun discharged inside the house.

On the drive to the vet’s office, Floyd reportedly again pointed the gun at Reichle and threatened to kill her and her family. Once at the vet’s, Reichle managed to pass the note to the vet staff.

Deputies took Reichle to Florida Hospital DeLand where she was treated for her injuries, which included a head injury, a black eye and bruised arms. Reichle  was also treated for a possible concussion. Deputies then took her to their home where they located two bullet holes in a hallway. Those bullets passed through the drywall and into another room.

Floyd has been charged with domestic violence: aggravated assault with a firearm, false imprisonment, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and simple battery. He remains in custody at the Volusia County Branch Jail with no bail allowed.

~ Posted by: Richard Webster, Ace News Today   /   Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter