Gainesville Man with Alleged History of Domestic Violence Released on Bond After Battering Woman in Walmart

Joseph Harold Wiggs, 22, was arrested on Saturday and charged with domestic battery.

The victim was shopping at Walmart (1800 NE 12th Ave) when Wiggs approached her and reportedly stated, “You have time to shop, but you don’t have time to come see me,” before shoving her to the ground.

The victim stated she got up and Wiggs grabbed her by the neck and attempted to step on her foot. Wiggs snatched the victim’s glasses and began leaving the store.

Gainesville Police Department Officer Ethan Sevor reports “I watched surveillance footage at the location, which only captured the second part of the altercation. The video showed the victim approach security, and [Wiggs] showed up a short time later. [Wiggs] comes up and begins talking to everyone. The victim begins speaking to [Wiggs] and [he] grabbed the victim by her arms. After grabbing [her] arms, [Wiggs] begins dragging the victim out of the door, so the victim grabbed [Wiggs’] jacket. Once through the first set of doors, the video shows [Wiggs] throw the victim to the ground."

A security guard and another witness told police they observed Wiggs in a physical altercation with the victim.

Sevor reported that the victim had a broken nail and broken shoe strap during his interaction with her.

Wiggs was released on a $2,500 bond under orders to not contact the victim or possess any weapons.

In February, Wiggs was charged with larceny and domestic battery by strangulation via sworn complaint, but the charges were dropped just two days before he was arrested in his new case.

In June 2024, Wiggs was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and child neglect, but the charges were dropped the following month.

In September 2021, Wiggs was charged with aggravated assault and domestic battery via sworn complaint, but the charges were dropped the following month.