Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Courtney Rae McGowan, 31, was arrested yesterday on allegations that she battered her husband in August and pointed a firearm at him during an argument the following week.
According to a Gainesville Police Department report, McGowan argued with her husband on August 29. When he went outside, she locked him out because he had not said “please” while asking for something. The man said McGowan later came outside and stood over him, making him fear she was about to strike him. He also told officers that she had been physically abusive toward him for approximately six months.
The victim said he stood up and moved to the opposite side of a table. McGowan allegedly responded, “The table isn’t going to stop me,” followed by, “I’ll jump over the table.”
He told police that McGowan then advanced toward him and began hitting, kicking and biting him. The responding officer documented visible cuts and bite marks on the victim.
The victim said that sometime during the next week, another argument escalated after McGowan picked up a gun and pointed it at herself. When he pleaded with her not to shoot, she allegedly turned the weapon toward him and said, “Say the right [expletive].” He interpreted the statement as a threat to shoot him if he could not provide a reason for her not to. He said McGowan ultimately set the gun down.
The victim reportedly flagged down an officer in the middle of the street last night. McGowan pulled into a nearby parking lot at about the same time, according to the report.
After being advised of her Miranda rights, McGowan reportedly acknowledged that she owns a firearm. She admitted that she and the victim argue and yell at each other but denied that weapons are involved. She said she had a gun in the car.
Asked why the victim appeared frightened and was attempting to leave, McGowan reportedly said that “everyone” could go to the house and that he knew he could go there. She said the dispute began because she wanted him to return home on time to complete chores. When he arrived late, she said, they argued and exchanged “horrible things,” as they had in the past.
The officer described McGowan as “evasive” when discussing the incident. When questioned about allegedly biting the victim or displaying a firearm, she reportedly asked for a lawyer.
McGowan faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and domestic battery. She has no local criminal history. Judge Mitchell Bishop ordered her held without bail while the court considers a motion by the State Attorney’s Office seeking to keep her detained without bail through trial. If that motion is denied, bail will be determined at the hearing.
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.
