PUNTA GORDA — Charlotte County businessman Bruce Laishley was arrested early Wednesday and held at the Charlotte County Jail.
Laishley, 69, whose address is listed at 2100 Palm Tree Terrace, Punta Gorda, in court documents, was charged with battery by intentional bodily harm, a first-degree misdemeanor, records show.
Bruce Laishley
CCSO
He was arrested at 37461 Washington Loop, Punta Gorda, records show.
Deputies were sent to a “domestic call,” and learned that Laishley had allegedly slapped a person, according to reports.
Reports show Laishley told deputies he did not remember hitting the person. He told deputies he had not been drinking.
“Throughout the statement, Bruce had trouble paying attention and seemed to zone in and out of the conversation. Bruce also seemed to be having hearing problems as he would ask us to repeat ourselves multiple times. Bruce was also swaying on his feet and having problems standing still,” the deputy reported.
Laishley declined to be evaluated by EMTs.
Deputies arrested Laishley and booked him into the Charlotte County Jail. His bond was set at $1,000.
During a first-appearance hearing Wednesday morning, Charlotte County Judge Sean Lux issued a no-contact order to Laishley. The identity of the other person was redacted in the court record.
Laishley bonded out of jail Wednesday afternoon. His next court appearance is set for Sept. 17.
Laishley has been affiliated with several businesses in Charlotte County over the years, including as a managing member of Florida Premier Contractors and as a director for Smugglers Enterprises, according to state records.