Firefighter Arrested For Battery On An Older Person

All the victim wanted was a drink.

That’s according to Pasco County Sheriff’s Office deputies who say a Land O’ Lakes resident over the age of 65 was battered by a fellow resident May 30 at the Lake Padgett Estates clubhouse, 4533 Savannah Dr., around 7:45 p.m.

The victim’s name is not yet being released, said Kevin Doll, spokesman for the sheriff’s office. The suspect, Doll said, works for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue as a firefighter.

According to Doll, the victim ordered a beer at the bar and then went to the restroom. When he returned, the suspect was standing next to his chair. The victim tried to move his chair out of the way, somehow angering the suspect.

What happened next was caught on surveillance video, Doll said.

The suspect picked up the victim’s beer mug and struck the man on the right side of his face. He then pushed the victim to the ground, a Pasco County complaint affidavit said. The victim suffered “major bruising to his shoulder and back.”

After reviewing the video and speaking with several witnesses, deputies arrested Donald Elkington, 43, of Land O’ Lakes.

As of June 2, Elkington remained in the Land O’ Lakes Jail on $50,000 bond. He was charged with aggravated battery on a person over 65.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Chief Frank Fernandez was unavailable for comment.

Elkington was also arrested in July 2010 on a charge of domestic battery.