The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office arrested an Islamorada man on Friday after he got into a fight with a man who broke up an argument between him and his girlfriend.
Chad Paul Lyons, 25, was charged with a felony battery.
Deputies arrived to find the victim sitting on the ground with blood on his hands. The victim, who had a small cut on his head, requested paramedics come to the scene due to having severe headaches.
The victim stated he noticed Lyons and his girlfriend arguing across the street, and went to intervene. After talking with them, the victim was successfully able to break up the argument. Lyons then left in his car. However, about 15 minutes later, Lyons returned and began arguing with the victim, asking him why he was talking to his girlfriend. The victim then stated Lyons punched him and doesn’t remember anything afterward.
Deputies spoke with the girlfriend, who verified the narrative. She stated Lyons punched the victim and knocked him out. The victim fell after being punched and hit his head on the rocks. Following the incident, she went to the Twisted Shrimp, a nearby restaurant, and called the police. The girlfriend stated Lyons left on foot, possibly going to the houseboat they were staying on. She stated she didn’t want to return to the boat if Lyons was still on board.
Deputies went to the houseboat and ordered Lyons to come out. He cooperated and Lyons was placed in custody. Deputies asked Lyons’ side of the story, but he stated he didn’t do anything. His narrative of what took place continued to change.
The victim was transported to Mariner’s Hospital, where he was recovering, according to the report.
Lyons was arrested and transported to Plantation Key jail. He was released on Saturday.
Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.
If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.