A Florida couple is facing criminal charges after police say they violently attacked a mother in a public parking lot in front of her young son during an argument about parenting.
Authorities say what started as an unwanted lecture about disciplining a child quickly turned into a physical assault that left the woman injured, shaken, and partially exposed in public.
Florida Couple Accused of Attacking Mother in Parking Lot
The incident happened on Wednesday evening in Davie, Florida, near the 5400 block of South University Drive.
According to the Davie Police Department, officers responded to reports of an active physical assault at around 5:37 p.m.
When police arrived, they found a mother who claimed she had just been attacked by a married couple later identified as Mary Williams and Terry Williams.
Court records show Mary Williams has been charged with:
- Battery resulting in bodily harm
- Burglary of a conveyance
Her husband, Terry Williams, faces one charge of battery.
Argument Started Over Child Discipline
According to investigators, the mother told officers that her young son had been misbehaving and had allegedly spit in her face.
She said she disciplined him by smacking him once on the mouth and once on the side of his torso.
Moments later, Terry Williams allegedly approached her and claimed he worked for Florida’s child welfare agency. He reportedly identified himself as an employee of the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
Police say Terry told the woman she could not yell at or physically discipline her child.
The mother reportedly told him to mind his own business and leave her alone.
Confrontation Quickly Turned Violent
According to the police affidavit, Terry initially walked away, but moments later Mary Williams approached the mother aggressively and continued discussing her parenting.
The mother attempted to place her child into the back seat of her Honda Civic and leave the area.
However, investigators say Mary stood between the woman and her vehicle, preventing her from leaving.
When the mother tried to move past her, the situation reportedly became violent.
Police say Mary Williams allegedly:
- Scratched the victim
- Grabbed her by the throat
- Choked her for several seconds
- Pulled at her clothing
The victim told investigators she struggled to breathe and feared she might pass out during the attack.
Victim’s Shirt Allegedly Ripped Off in Public
Investigators say Terry Williams then returned and joined the physical confrontation.
According to witness statements and police reports, both husband and wife allegedly grabbed the woman by her shirt and hair while she tried to escape.
The struggle reportedly became so intense that her shirt was completely torn off.
A witness told police the woman was left standing in public wearing only her bra while trying to get away from the couple.
The witness also said the mother did not appear to be fighting back and was only trying to break free.
Police Found Visible Injuries
Officers reported seeing multiple injuries on the victim, including:
- Scratch marks around her neck
- Signs consistent with choking
- A cut on her lower lip
Police noted that the neck injuries matched the victim’s statement that Mary Williams had used her long fingernails during the attack.
Keys Allegedly Stolen from Victim’s Car
Even after the physical fight ended, investigators say Mary Williams continued interfering.
Police allege she opened the victim’s car door, entered the vehicle, turned off the engine, removed the keys, and took them.
This led to the additional burglary-related charge.
Questions Raised About DCF Claims
During the confrontation, Terry Williams allegedly claimed to work for Florida’s Department of Children and Families.
However, investigators later confirmed that Mary Williams did not work for the agency.
Police have not publicly confirmed whether Terry Williams had any official connection to DCF, though investigators noted that his claims appeared to be used to start the confrontation.
Couple Released on Bond
Both Mary and Terry Williams were later arrested.
As of Friday afternoon, both had been released from jail after posting bond.
Court officials have not yet announced their next court appearance.
