PORT ORANGE, Fla. \u2013 The president of an HOA in Central Florida has been accused of pushing a 12-year-old to the ground during a \u201cverbal confrontation,\u201d according to the Volusia Sheriff\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n
In an arrest affidavit, deputies said that the incident happened on Tuesday around 8 p.m.<\/p>\n
At the time, deputies said they were called to Country Club Drive, where they met with the boy and his grandfather.<\/p>\n
There, investigators learned that the boy had been riding his bicycle around the nearby clubhouse, but he became tired, so he sat down near the tennis court, the affidavit shows.<\/p>\n
\u201c[REDACTED] stated he noticed a male, later identified as Paul Holmes, staring at him and making an odd facial expression,\u201d the affidavit reads. \u201c[REDACTED] stated he then decided to leave and raised his middle finger toward Paul.\u201d<\/p>\n
Paul Holmes, 69 (Volusia County Jail)<\/p>\n
Afterward, the boy reportedly explained that Holmes approached him, pushed him to the ground, and yelled, \u201cDo you know who I am? I\u2019m the president of the HOA.\u201d<\/p>\n
Per the boy, Holmes then took his bicycle, placed it in his vehicle and drove away.<\/p>\n
Deputies said they spoke with Holmes, who initially refused to return the bicycle before eventually giving in.<\/p>\n
\u201cPaul stated there had been ongoing issues with juveniles gathering around the clubhouse late at night when the club was closed,\u201d the affidavit continues. \u201cAlthough the juveniles had not been observed committing criminal activity, Paul stated they were not members of the club and therefore had no business being there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Furthermore, Holmes claimed he took the bicycle so that security could identify the boy and his parents, though the HOA president denied intentionally placing his hands on the boy, investigators noted.<\/p>\n
Regardless, Holmes was arrested and now faces charges of child abuse and petit theft. He was released on Wednesday evening on bond.<\/p>\n
You can read the full affidavit below:<\/p>\n
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