Alachua Man Arrested for Battering Elderly Woman

Braja Mandala Sanchez, 37, was arrested on Monday and charged with battery on an elderly person and resisting an officer without violence. 

On April 18, the victim was in her room when she heard loud banging and things being thrown. She exited her bedroom to find Sanchez, who was reportedly in a “drunken fury, hurling several objects out of the back of the house.” 

The victim returned to her bedroom after being cussed at, but Sanchez reportedly followed her and twisted her forearm. The victim reached for her cell phone, and Sanchez attempted to grab it. The victim was able to place her phone under the bed without Sanchez noticing. 

Sanchez reportedly pulled the victim off the bed and caused her to hit the back of her head on a dresser. After Sanchez left the room, the victim got up, got her keys, and told him she was going to the Hare Krishna Temple to pray for him. The victim left the home and immediately went to the Alachua Police Department (APD) to report the incident. 

On April 21, APD officers located Sanchez at the Alachua Branch of the Alachua County Library District. 

APD Officer Brandon Young reported that Sanchez “appeared intoxicated, due to the heavy odor of alcohol coming from his person. [Sanchez] was advised he was under arrest, at which time he became physically resistant. Post Miranda, [Sanchez] asked for his attorney and stated he didn't do anything wrong.”

Sanchez’s bond is set at $90,000.