Alachua Attacker Pepper Sprayed in Self Defense

Samuel J. Dickerson, 46, was arrested on Monday and charged with domestic battery. 
 
The arrest report states Dickerson showed up at the victim’s house drunk and engaged her in a verbal argument. The victim called her family to help get Dickerson out of her house. 
 
When the victim’s cousin arrived, she saw Dickerson grabbing her by the shirt and beating her. Dickerson reportedly charged at the victim's cousin, so she pepper sprayed him in self-defense. 
 
The cousin did not wish to press charges, and the victim did not want Dickerson to be arrested. Alachua Police Department (APD) Officer Tiffany Burnsed reported that Dickerson was taken into custody “due to the domestic nature of the call.” 
 
Dickerson’s bond is set at $5,000. 
 
In February 2023, Dickerson was charged via sworn complaint with simple battery after the victim reported that he sexually assaulted her. The charge was dropped in October 2023.