The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) arrested a suspect following a violent dating incident in which the victim was allegedly held against her will, physically assaulted, strangled and threatened with a firearm.
On June 24, detectives with HCSO’s Domestic Violence Section responded to a home in Brandon and a local hospital after the victim was transported for non-life-threatening injuries.
According to HCSO, the victim was involved in a verbal altercation with her boyfriend, identified as 17-year-old Jai’Keen Barlow, when he allegedly threatened her with a firearm and prevented her from leaving.
HCSO said that while the victim was being held against her will, Barlow choked, slapped and struck her with the firearm multiple times while threatening to kill her and members of her family. Deputies said Barlow also took the victim’s phone to prevent her from calling for help.
“No one should ever live in fear of someone who claims to care about them,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a press release. “This suspect used violence, intimidation and a firearm to control and terrorize the victim. These are horrific acts, and we will continue to aggressively pursue those who commit domestic violence and ensure victims know they are not alone.”
HCSO recovered the firearm and said Barlow is currently on juvenile probation for felony firearm offenses.
Barlow was arrested and charged with:
Armed kidnapping to harm or terrorize
Armed false imprisonment
Aggravated battery with a deadly weapon
Battery
Battery by strangulation
Felon in possession of a firearm (juvenile conviction)
Felon in possession of ammunition (seven counts) (juvenile conviction)
Tampering with a witness
The investigation remains ongoing. HCSO said additional updates will be provided as they become available.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence or who knows someone who may be in danger can call 911. The Spring of Tampa Bay also offers a 24/7 Crisis Hotline at (813) 247-7233.