Big Pine man charged with burglary and battery

A Big Pine Key man was arrested Thursday night on an outstanding warrant, charged with breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s house, breaking a number of items, violently punching her and pushing her to the ground twice, both inside and outside of the house.

The incident took place on March 9th. The victim called the Sheriff’s Office to report 40 year old Bruce Mills entered her house while she was sleeping and yelled at her. He then broke an Xbox, a computer monitor and a stroller. When she tried to stop him he punched her in the mouth and pushed her to the ground. He fled the scene. When she followed, he pushed her to the ground again outside the front door.

Deputies were unable to find him that night; they returned to the scene at 5 a.m. because she called to say he’d returned and was banging on the door. He fled again before they could respond.

A warrant was obtained for his arrest on charges of burglary with assault/battery, battery and criminal mischief. The warrant was served just before midnight on Thursday. Bond is set at $80,000.