Deputies in Florida have arrested a Bunnell man following a domestic violence incident on Saturday evening, where he allegedly threw a frying pan of hot grease, causing severe burns and permanent disfigurement to the victim.
Flagler County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a reported domestic disturbance in the L-Section of Palm Coast. Emergency medical services were already treating a victim for burn injuries upon their arrival.
The victim informed deputies that she had asked the suspect, Gerald Vingara, 49, of Bunnell, to prepare food because she was experiencing a diabetic episode. She alleged that Vingara initially placed hot noodles on her face and arms.
The ensuing argument escalated while Vingara was cooking burgers on the stovetop. According to the victim, Vingara then threw the pan in her direction, causing hot grease to splash and seriously injure her. Vingara fled the scene before deputies arrived.
Deputies located Vingara driving into Bunnell and conducted a traffic stop. When interviewed, Vingara disputed the victim’s account, claiming the victim had grabbed the pan and thrown it herself, hitting nearby curtains.
However, the deputies’ investigation countered Vingara’s statement. They noted the absence of grease on the curtains and found grease in a location consistent with the victim’s account. Based on the evidence, deputies determined Vingara was the primary aggressor, concluding that his actions caused burns to the victim resulting in permanent disfigurement.
Sheriff Rick Staly condemned the suspect’s actions. “This was a very immature and dangerous response to an argument,” Sheriff Staly stated. “Throwing a frying pan filled with hot grease is never the answer to an argument.”
Staly also noted the timing of the arrest during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, emphasizing the community’s zero-tolerance policy for such violence. “It’s important that our community knows that we won’t tolerate this kind of behavior or violence.”
Vingara was arrested for felony battery and transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. He was later released after posting a $500 bond.
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