A Clearwater man is behind bars after police say an argument over life insurance spiraled into a violent confrontation inside a home late Sunday morning.
Officers arrested 28-year-old Brandon Andrews and charged him with aggravated assault and armed kidnapping, among other counts, after responding to a report of domestic violence. According to a Pinellas County arrest affidavit cited by Tampa Bay 28, the incident began around 11:39 a.m., when Andrews allegedly woke his girlfriend while she was sleeping, accused her of buying life insurance and then climbed on top of her and began choking her.
The affidavit states that when the woman said she did not know anything about a life insurance policy, Andrews threatened to "put her to sleep." Investigators say he then let go, pulled out a handgun and pointed it at her while preventing her from checking on their child in a nearby room, according to Tampa Bay 28.
Victim grabbed bag with firearm and escaped
The tense standoff moved to the kitchen, where the victim managed to get away and grab an across-body bag that held a gun, the affidavit says. When Andrews demanded the bag, she threw it at him and was able to get out of the immediate confrontation, according to the outlet’s summary of the report.
After his arrest, Andrews told investigators he believed someone had been watching the incident unfold and that "God had a plan," Tampa Bay 28 reported. In addition to aggravated assault and armed kidnapping, police booked him on domestic battery by strangulation and robbery charges.
Charges carry serious penalties under Florida law
Under section 784.041 of the Florida Statutes, domestic battery by strangulation is defined as knowingly impeding another person’s normal breathing or blood circulation and is treated as a felony offense. State sentencing law shows that third-degree felonies in Florida can carry penalties of up to five years in prison and fines, according to state sentencing statutes.
Andrews remains in custody as the case moves through the local court system. Court dates and bond information were not immediately available, and additional details are expected to surface in public court filings as they are submitted.
