MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A man who has recently been released from prison is accused of breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s Marion County home and attacking her when she walked through the door.
The woman’s neighbors heard her cries for help and called 911.
Deputies said Ryan Gillespie, 44, was released from prison Wednesday and showed up at the victim’s house hours later.
“He attacked her and got on top of her and began to wrestle her,” said Deputy Ryan Robbins.
Deputies said Gillespie choked the woman and tried to force himself on her, but she was able to escape and run outside for help.
“We’re just fortunate she has minor injuries and that she is still alive,” Robbins said.
Deputis said Gillespie left the home, but came back a few minutes later through the front door.
Deputies arrived a short time later and arrested Gillespie, who told them he came to the home to tell his ex-girlfriend that he loved her.
Corrections records show that he had been serving a one-year and 10-month prison sentence on charges of burglary and theft.
Records also show he has a long criminal history that has put him in and out of prison.
Cox Media Group
