Man arrested in Upper Keys fight

An 18-year-old Key Largo man was arrested Friday night for seriously injuring another teenager in a fight last month in Tavernier.

Camren Lee Carter was charged with one count of aggravated battery causing bodily injury.

The 19-year-old victim, also of Key Largo, told Sheriff’s Office detectives he and Carter got into a physical fight on Feb. 8 during an argument over a girl at the CVS Pharmacy, 91419 Overseas Highway. Punches were exchanged and at one point Carter grabbed the victim around the middle of his waist similar to a bear hug, lifted him off his feet and slammed him to the pavement. The victim struck the back of his head and shoulders as he landed on the concrete parking lot. Carter also choked the victim.

The incident was witnessed by multiple other teenagers, some of whom spoke to the Sheriff’s Office.

The victim went home with symptoms that later resembled the flu, but a few days later he was taken to Mariners Hospital where he was flown to Miami with a severe head injury and brain bleed.

Detectives were not able to speak to the victim for weeks due to his injuries. It was unclear what transpired until detectives were able to speak to him. He said he wished to press charges at that time. A warrant with a with a $75,000 bail was obtained thereafter.  Carter turned himself in Friday night.

Carter was booked into the Monroe County Detention Center on Plantation Key.

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