Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In a startling incident, 24-year-old Alteria Leandrea Watson was taken into custody yesterday after allegedly launching a pepper spray assault and physically attacking her former boyfriend, culminating in more than $5,000 in damage to his vehicle.
According to a report from the Gainesville Police Department, the incident unfolded around 2:18 a.m. on May 6. The victim, sitting in his convertible at a McDonald’s on 1206 W. University Avenue, was confronted by Watson and an accomplice. The situation escalated when the friend accompanying Watson allegedly pepper-sprayed him in the face.
Attempting to escape, the victim drove to the north side of a nearby Holiday Inn to raise the convertible’s top. However, Watson reportedly pursued him in her car, launching another pepper spray attack while shattering a small rear passenger window with a glass beer bottle. Evidence of the broken bottle was later discovered by the responding officer at the scene.
Disoriented from the pepper spray, the victim faced further assault as Watson allegedly circled to the driver’s side, punching him and shouting. The attack continued with Watson reportedly kicking off the driver’s side mirror and scratching the door. Before departing, she allegedly added to the damage by kicking the passenger side door, leaving a significant dent.
The victim recounted that Watson and her friend drove off, their location unknown. However, he later reported that Watson returned to his apartment, yelling from her vehicle and threatening further violence.
Watson was arrested at her apartment complex on May 16.
Watson has been charged with burglary with battery, burglary of an occupied vehicle, felony property damage, and domestic battery. She has no local criminal history, and Judge Gloria Walker set bail at $25,000.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
