The British leave superintendent was charged with attempted murder after allegedly attempting to have his daughter-in-law owned in a Florida swimming pool, authorities said.
Mark Raymond Gibbon, 62, took leave with his family while on vacation at Solterra Resort in Davenport, Florida, when deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were hampered in a backyard swimming pool Sunday evening, the sheriff’s office said in an X post.
Gibbon was in the pool with his 33-year-old stepdaughter, according to the victims and witnesses.
Authorities said Gibbon was from Beacon Field, England, about 25 miles west of London.
“Gibbon has been accused of pushing the victim’s head against the water multiple times and hugging him, preventing him from breathing,” reads a statement posted on X on Monday.
“The victim’s nine-year-old daughter jumped into the pool to prevent Gibbon from owning her mother.”
Gibbon only stopped when a sister from a nearby vacation rental said she called police, the sheriff’s office said, citing the victim’s statement.
Gibbon was arrested, charged with battery and attempted second-degree murder.
“It’s great that Polk County attracts visitors from all over the world, but we look forward to acting while we visit together, as we expect our lifelong residents to do the same,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a statement.
“You may find Gibbon is spending more time in Florida than you would expect because he couldn’t control his anger.”
