LEESBURG, Fla. — The owner of FitKids Academy, a kid’s gym located on County Road 473 in Leesburg was arrested Sunday night after allegedly choking a 15-year-old boy and the teen’s step-mother according to police reports.
41-year-old Jay Lowery was charged with two counts of battery by strangulation and one count of child abuse, all felony charges after the teen reportedly called 911 during the incident on Sunday.
Police responded to the home located on Draw Drive in Leesburg after the teen told dispatchers that Lowery was trying to break down his door.
According to an arrest report, Lowery and the teen’s step-mother had been drinking when an argument erupted between the two and then turned physical.
The step-mother told police Lowery allegedly “wrapped his arm under her throat and began choking her”.
The teen overheard the two fighting and came to defend his step-mother at which time Lowery reportedly turned his anger and violence toward the teen and chased the boy to his room.
The boy locked himself in his room and Lowery allegedly kicked down the door to his room and began choking the boy.
The boy’s mother then came to the boy’s assistance and helped the teen escape to a neighbor’s house until officers arrived.
During their investigation, officers noted several “nearly empty” bottles of tequila and Jagermeister in the home as well as marks on the teen and the step-mother.
According to officers, Lowery has a “history of domestic violence”.
Lowery was arrested and transported to the Lake County Jail.
Although arresting officers set no bond due to the history of domestic violence and the nature of this incident, Lowery was given a $3,000 bond during his arraignment hearing the following morning.
Lowery was released from the Lake County Jail shortly after his arraignment hearing and after posting bail.