BY JENNIFER CABRERA
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Fred Lee Watson, Jr., 45, was arrested last night and charged with child abuse and disrupting a religious assembly after he allegedly tried to drag a girl out of a church service.
At around 5.45pm yesterday, Watson allegedly knocked on the window and opened the door during a church service at We’re for Jesus Christian Center, 2006 E. University Avenue, in a bid to get the girl’s attention and another person. .
Watson then reportedly grabbed the girl by the arm, and she pulled away from him, saying she didn’t want to talk to him. He reportedly kept trying to get her out of the church.
Two witnesses reportedly told a Gainesville Police Department officer that Watson forcibly attempted to take the girl outside.
Watson has multiple misdemeanor convictions for driving without a valid license, battery, and household battery. He is being held on $10,000 bond.
Articles about the arrests are based on law enforcement reports. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are charges only. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in court.