Gainesville Man Calls Domestic Violence Incident a “Commotion” After Arrest

Perrion Emmanuel Sylvester, 21, was arrested Thursday afternoon and charged with domestic battery. 

Sylvester and the victim were reportedly arguing when Sylvester picked up the victim and threw her onto the floor. Sylvester then left the apartment and took the victim’s phone with him. 

Sylvester returned to find the victim packing her stuff and he told her she couldn’t leave. Sylvester reportedly placed his hand over the victim’s mouth when she started screaming. 

Sylvester reportedly swung a belt at the victim multiple times and stated “You’re not going to win against me.” Sylvester struck the victim on her face with the belt, causing her to run out of the residence. 

The victim had visible injuries and told police Johnson had also shoved her into a wall on Christmas Eve. 

Gainesville Police Department (GPD) Officer Rebecca White reported Sylvester “was very cooperative and told me the same account of this incident but said that he did not throw the victim to the floor. He said that he did cover her mouth but it was to stop her from screaming. He said that she screams so that she gets attention from other people. He admitted to having the belt but said that he took it away from the victim and likely inadvertently hit her at that point. He wasn't sure about the victim’s bruises on her shoulders and said it probably happened during the commotion.”

Sylvester’s bond is set at $5,000.