article

A Florida man is behind bars after authorities say he viciously attacked and beat a pregnant woman because he thought she had the coronavirus.

Joseph Newell, 24, is facing an aggravated battery charge.

According to an arrest report obtained by People.com, the Cape Coral Police Department were called to an apartment complex after witnesses reported hearing screams for help.

The victim was allegedly beaten by Newell because he thought she had coronavirus, the report claims. Newell was reportedly seen straddling the woman, who six months pregnant, with his hands around her neck.

When police ordered him to stop, Newell refused and continued to beat her, People reported. As officers put him in handcuffs, Newell reportedly began slamming his head on the concrete.

MORE NEWS: Some inmates being released from Florida jails to help stop coronavirus spread


The victim said that Newell knew she was pregnant when he attacked her. She was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Newell was allegedly intoxicated at the time and kept rambling about coronavirus while in the presence of police, People reports.

Newell is being held in the Lee County Jail on $15,000 bond.