A 40-year-old Freeport woman was arrested after deputies say she battered her 71-year-old father during an alleged domestic disturbance and was later found in a bedroom with firearms despite being a convicted felon.
According to an arrest report from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a home on Phillips Drive in Freeport on June 19 after receiving a report of a domestic disturbance between Hailey E. Smith, 40, and her father, David L. Smith, 71.
When deputies arrived, David Smith met them near the front gate of the property and told deputies he did not need medical attention.
According to the report, the altercation began over a jar of flowers. Investigators say David Smith took the jar into a bedroom, and Hailey Smith followed him inside.
Deputies allege Hailey Smith struck her father in the ribs before jumping onto his back, twisting his neck, and biting the right side of his neck. Deputies reported observing a red mark with broken skin on the victim’s neck that was consistent with his account.
While deputies were at the residence, David Smith reportedly told them Hailey Smith had locked herself inside a bedroom and refused to come out. He also advised deputies that there were firearms inside the room.
Deputies made several attempts to persuade Smith to exit before ultimately making contact with her inside the bedroom, according to the report.
Investigators say they found two rifles mounted on the wall within her reach. One rifle was loaded with a round chambered and three additional rounds in the magazine, while the second rifle was unloaded.
After being advised of her Miranda rights, Smith agreed to speak with deputies, according to the arrest report. She told investigators she knew the firearms were in the bedroom where she stayed with her father, but said the rifles belonged to him.
A criminal history check revealed Smith had previously been convicted in Walton County of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in 2015, making it illegal under Florida law for her to possess firearms or ammunition.
Based on their investigation, deputies arrested Smith and charged her with:
- Battery on a person 65 years of age or older (domestic violence-related)
- Two counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted Florida felon
Smith was transported to the Walton County Jail without incident.
The charges remain allegations, and Smith is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
All photos courtesy of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
