A Toms River, New Jersey man was arrested on Sunday after he reportedly bit a man twice during a struggle over a Rolex watch.
Michael Francis Arena, 62, was charged with aggravated battery.
Around 11 a.m., Monroe County Sherriff’s Office deputies responded to Big Coppitt Key after receiving reports that a man was bitten during a fight. Deputies detained the suspect, identified as Arena, as he was riding down the street on his bicycle.
Deputies then met with the victim, who explained he and his friend had met with Arena in an attempt to sell him a Rolex watch. During the meeting, the victim stated Arena compared the victim’s watch to his friend’s watch, a real Rolex, and decided that the victim’s watch was likely a fake, according to the report.
When it came time to give back both watches, the victim said Arena appeared to be trying to switch the watches. The victim then reached out to grab them both out of Arena’s hands, but he reportedly refused to give them up. At some point, Arena leaned in and bit him on the forearm, breaking the skin. A fight ensued, with Arena reportedly throwing the victim on the ground and biting him again, this time on his shoulder.
The friend present reiterated the same narrative. Deputies observed bite marks and bruising consistent with being bit by a human. They also noted that the incident may have been a premeditated robbery or theft attempt, according to the report.
Arena was arrested and transported to the Monroe County Detention Center, where he was being held without bond.
Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.
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