The incident occurred on February 16th, 2023 in Sarasota, Florida.
Sarasota, FL – A Sarasota man was arrested following a violent altercation at the Embassy Suites on February 11, 2023. The suspect, Keith Gray, allegedly struck a woman in the face, knocking her unconscious and chipping her front tooth after a dispute over a cell phone escalated into a physical confrontation.
Incident Overview
According to police reports, officers responded to 202 N Tamiami Trail at approximately 12:23 p.m. in reference to a felony battery. The victim, whose name has not been disclosed, stated she was attempting to retrieve her cell phone from Gray’s vehicle in the hotel parking garage. Gray refused to allow her access, which led to an altercation involving her husband, Michael Callahan.
Callahan confronted Gray, asking for the phone, but Gray allegedly placed Callahan in a headlock, prompting the victim to intervene. Once she managed to separate the two men, Callahan retrieved the phone, but Gray then approached the victim and, unprovoked, struck her in the face, rendering her unconscious.
Witness Statements and Arrest
Gray’s girlfriend, Blake Vallaire, confirmed that the dispute began over the victim’s lost phone, which was located in Gray’s vehicle using GPS tracking. Vallaire stated that an argument ensued, escalating into a physical altercation between Callahan and Gray, which was eventually broken up. Shortly afterward, Gray allegedly punched the victim in the face.
Emergency medical services responded to the scene, treating the victim for bruising and a chipped front tooth. Meanwhile, officers located Gray walking near the scene and took him into custody. Gray was read his Miranda rights and claimed that an unknown individual had attacked him, resulting in minor injuries to his face. However, officers found probable cause to arrest Gray based on witness accounts and physical evidence.
Case Disposition
Gray was charged with felony battery under Florida Statute 784.041(1)(a) due to the severity of the victim’s injuries, which included permanent disfigurement. He was transported to the Sarasota County Jail without further incident. Officers noted that security footage from the parking garage could provide additional evidence, though access was not immediately available.
The case remains open for further investigation as law enforcement reviews surveillance footage and additional witness statements. Authorities urge anyone with more information to come forward as they work to ensure justice for the victim.
