William González, 67 years old and a resident of southwest Miami-Dade, was arrested after being accused of hitting another man with a dumbbell during an argument at a LA Fitness gym in Miami, according to Telemundo 51.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, around 8:20 PM, at the establishment located at 9291 West Flagler Street, according to the arrest report from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.
The dispute over the weights
According to the police report cited by the local media, González and the victim, identified as Arman Murant, were involved in a heated argument in front of the weightlifting station at the gym.
Murant told investigators that González picked up a dumbbell with his right hand and threw it at him. The victim attempted to protect himself by raising his left forearm, but he was struck in the arm and on the left side of his head.
When the agents arrived at the establishment, they observed bruises and a bump on the left side of Murant's head, as well as a scratch on his left forearm. According to the police report, the injuries were consistent with his statement.
The accused denied having hit the victim
González acknowledged to the investigators that he had argued with Murant, but denied having hit him with the dumbbell.
According to his account, he lifted the weight solely to intimidate the other man and make him back off.
A gym employee stated that she did not witness the moment of the alleged blow, although she claimed to have seen González chasing Murant around the premises while he was trying to escape.
The incident surprised other users of the establishment. One of them stated to Telemundo 51 that he had never witnessed such an aggression in the gym.
Another customer pointed out that disputes over the use of weights and machines are common and requested more patience among those sharing the equipment.
Arrest and charges
González was arrested and initially taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade.
The authorities charged him with aggravated assault for the alleged use of a dumbbell as a weapon during the confrontation.
According to the information released on Thursday, the accused was being held at the Metrowest Detention Center, with bail set at $5,000.
There has been no information reported regarding González's country of origin or his legal representation.
The man faces a criminal charge and retains the presumption of innocence until a conviction is reached.
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