NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – A 47-year-old man was arrested in Volusia County on suspicion of beating his girlfriend and knocking her teeth out.
Michael Ditaranto was arrested Sunday on charges of aggravated battery causing bodily harm and false imprisonment.
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According to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, a passerby noticed what appeared to be a physical altercation inside a pickup truck in the parking lot of the New Smyrna Beach Speedway. She called 911 to report the incident, adding that the pickup drove off and was veering back and forth on the roadway, officials said.
A deputy called the witness, who said she saw a woman lying on the ground, with blood on the side of the pickup, according to the Sheriff's Office. She also said she spotted several teeth on the ground and a man trying to force a woman back into the pickup, according to officials.
The pickup and couple were later located, and the woman said she was at a job site in Orange City with Ditaranto, who became jealous when other men whistled at her, according to sheriff's officials. She said an argument began as they drove off, which led to the fight, according to officials.
Deputies said the woman was missing three teeth and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Ditaranto, who suffered scratches to his face, was arrested and taken to jail after it was determined that he was the aggressor, officials said.