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Police: Woman shocked after Christmas greeting

Fri Jan 8, 2010 4:03 PM EST
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Associated Press
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ZEPHYRHILLS — A 29-year-old woman was arrested after allegedly using a stun gun on a woman who tried to hug her on Christmas night. Deborah Downing has been jailed $15,510 bond. She was charged with aggravated battery, petty theft and violation of pretrial release. It's unclear if she already has an attorney.

According to a Pasco County Sheriff's Office report, Sheri Brennan was picking up a friend Dec. 25 when the incident occurred. Brennan's friend told investigators that she was shocked after trying to hug Downing and offer a holiday greeting. Brennan wasn't seriously injured.

Brennan told authorities that she had a rocky past with Downing, but thought the two had resolved their differences.

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bonos_rama

Ah, that good old Christmas spirit!

  • 1 vote
Reply#1 - Fri Jan 8, 2010 5:46 PM EST
JmetheSad

wow that's one way to say hi. sheesh.

    Reply#2 - Fri Jan 8, 2010 7:03 PM EST
    bitemore

    Shocking! Absolutely shocking!

    • 3 votes
    Reply#3 - Fri Jan 8, 2010 7:08 PM EST
    JmetheSad

    ha. nice bitemore. nice. =D

    • 1 vote
    #3.1 - Fri Jan 8, 2010 7:13 PM EST
    bitemore

    Tee-hee... I do have an evil streak, hey? :-)

    • 1 vote
    #3.2 - Fri Jan 8, 2010 7:22 PM EST
    HoneyBee-1239445

    I would say that her emotions were highly charged that night.

    • 2 votes
    #3.3 - Sun Jan 10, 2010 12:38 PM EST
    Karl_

    What are the current charges against her?

    • 1 vote
    #3.4 - Tue Jan 12, 2010 1:28 AM EST
    Reply
    Jeff Jefferson-912478

    I have felt like doing that many times with strangers or barely acquainteds who want to get too close. There ought to be a law against unwanted hugging. I'll bet a crafty personal injury lawyer could concoct a counter suit.

    • 3 votes
    Reply#4 - Fri Jan 8, 2010 7:29 PM EST
    Anrkist

    A law? How about you man up and just say no.

    • 4 votes
    #4.1 - Fri Jan 8, 2010 8:21 PM EST
    menmy2

    I'd have no problem stiff arming them, while holding out my right hand for a shake, especially if it's someone I was already beefin' with.

    • 2 votes
    #4.2 - Fri Jan 8, 2010 11:03 PM EST
    Rixar13

    Brennan told authorities that she had a rocky past with Downing, but thought the two had resolved their differences.

    If ever an officer stands before - You have the right to remain silent. Although I wouldn't be surprised if he used his toy on you anyway....? Comedian Ron White, " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

    • 1 vote
    #4.3 - Tue Jan 12, 2010 9:45 AM EST
    Reply
    Randilly

    I'm a guy, but it doesn't matter. I do maintain a certain amount of personal space. Intrude into that space without my consent, probably won't get you decked or shocked. But you WILL end up, on my Sh*t List. If you already are on the List, you WILL get a scene you won't soon forget...

      Reply#5 - Fri Jan 8, 2010 9:28 PM EST
      Tim Boothby

      Apparently, feeling festive and in the holiday spirit the lady lit her up like a Christmas tree.

        Reply#6 - Fri Jan 8, 2010 11:45 PM EST
        Edgar_Re_Poe

        Does anyone else see the 'aggravated battery' pun?

        • 3 votes
        Reply#7 - Sat Jan 9, 2010 4:53 AM EST
        bitemore

        #7: 'aggravated battery'

        Oooh... very good!

        • 1 vote
        #7.1 - Sat Jan 9, 2010 10:07 AM EST
        Karl_

        I just saw the light.

        • 1 vote
        #7.2 - Tue Jan 12, 2010 1:31 AM EST
        Reply
        Soosalah

        We Americans and our much protected "don't get too close to me" space.

        We're such a funny people.

        • 2 votes
        Reply#8 - Sat Jan 9, 2010 2:51 PM EST
        zugbah-1110911

        It's absolutely not logical & wise to abruptly hug someone whom you had a rocky past for whatever season. Settle first, if your intention is good then hug and kiss goodbye.....mooowaah!

        • 2 votes
        Reply#9 - Sun Jan 10, 2010 3:25 AM EST
        Kareem in my Coffee

        Crapo.....another Florida story/nut!!!!! WHY WHY WHY?????!!!!!

        Although if the person felt attacked or didn't want the physical touch, she is well in her right to stun. Heck, in Florida, one can shoot another if they feel threatened.

          Reply#10 - Sun Jan 10, 2010 9:30 AM EST
          vttova

          Was she just holding a stun gun when the lady hugged her? Do you keep those things in your pockets? I mean, how else would one get stunned while hugging someone?

          Or did she chase her down ater the fact to deliver some Christmas cheer?

          Damn, I'll take the fruit cake next time!

          • 1 vote
          Reply#11 - Mon Jan 11, 2010 3:32 PM EST
          menmy2

          If I have on a sweater or jacket, I keep mine in my pocket as it goes through clothing. So, if someone got close enough to me to hug me, I could zap the crap out of them.

          • 1 vote
          #11.1 - Mon Jan 11, 2010 8:21 PM EST
          Karl_

          Do these stun gun owners have kids? Grand kids?

          • 1 vote
          #11.2 - Tue Jan 12, 2010 1:32 AM EST
          bitemore

          Do these stun gun owners have kids? Grand kids?

          I'll bet they really look after their little charges.

          • 2 votes
          #11.3 - Tue Jan 12, 2010 8:44 AM EST
          menmy2

          Karl - I have two kids. . . why?

            #11.4 - Tue Jan 12, 2010 12:21 PM EST
            Reply
            lilgremlin

            Brennan told authorities that she had a rocky past with Downing, but thought the two had resolved their differences.

            Apparently not.

            • 2 votes
            Reply#12 - Mon Jan 11, 2010 4:59 PM EST
            Karl_

            One was positive and the other negative. It resulted in a shocking encounter.

            • 1 vote
            #12.1 - Tue Jan 12, 2010 1:34 AM EST
            Reply
            xuexiaoling520Deleted
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