Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Keyly Ninoska Garcia-Soazo, 39, was arrested yesterday and charged with aggravated battery on a pregnant woman after allegedly punching a co-worker.

At about 5:30 p.m. on September 13, an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a call about a battery at La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant (9513 NW 39th Avenue). The victim, who is about six months pregnant, reportedly said she and Garcia-Soazo, who both work at the restaurant, had argued over property that Garcia-Soazo had left at the restaurant; she said Garcia-Soazo accused her of throwing away her belongings.

The victim said that she was standing in a doorway as they argued, and Garcia-Soazo walked by and punched her in the face and in the shoulder.

A manager of the restaurant reportedly provided video of the incident, and the deputy reported that Garcia-Soazo walked by the victim and appeared to punch the victim in the face; the victim immediately grabbed her face, and Garcia-Soazo left the restaurant.

Post Miranda, Garcia-Soazo (also spelled Suazo in one document) reportedly said she knows the victim is pregnant and that the victim is “always trying to play the victim.” She denied hitting the victim.

Garcia-Soazo, who was identified with her Honduran ID card, has no local criminal history and was released on her own recognizance.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.