Officials: Florida couple allegedly attacked a snorkeler over a dispute

MARATHON, Fla. — A Florida couple has been arrested for allegedly attacking a snorkeler, officials say.

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The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release that Paulo De Oliveira, 65, and Katia De Oliveira, 61, were arrested on Sunday around 1:30 p.m. after allegedly attacking a snorkeler near their home. MCSO said there was an apparent dispute over how close the snorkeler was to their house.

According to WTSP, a 36-year-old man told deputies that he was snorkeling close to the dock when he got into the argument with the Oliveiras. Paulo allegedly hit the man with a pole and Katia allegedly hit him with a fishing rod.

MCSO said the victim’s family was in a boat about 25 yards from the shore when the attack happened and that he was “bleeding profusely from the head.”

Other people on the boat and surveillance video corroborated the victim’s story, said MCSO.

Paulo and Katia were both charged with aggravated battery and battery. No further information has been released, according to WTSP.



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