NORTH MIAMI, Fla. – A man who allegedly has a baby on the way with his pregnant girlfriend is now behind bars after police said he fired a gunshot at her after beating her inside an apartment in North Miami on Wednesday.
According to an arrest report from the North Miami Police Department, Richard Marcel Mazard, 38, of Miami Gardens, is facing one count each of aggravated battery on a pregnant victim, aggravated assault with a firearm and kidnapping.
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The victim told police she was involved in an argument with Mazard at an apartment near the 700 block of Northeast 127th Street, which stemmed from Mazard accusing the victim of being unfaithful in their relationship, according to the report.
The argument turned physical between Mazard and the victim after Mazard began punching her while she was sitting on the couch of the apartment, the report stated.
Police said Mazard took both of the victim’s cellphones from her during the incident, which prevented her from calling 911 for help.
After the victim attempted to leave the apartment, Mazard pushed her back into her seat and then grabbed the victim by her shirt while dragging her outside where other men were waiting, according to detectives.
While outside of the apartment, police said Mazard accused the victim of having sex with one of his close friends who was standing outside.
As the victim continued to deny the accusations, Mazard then pushed her back into the apartment and continued to batter her with his fists, according to his arrest report.
Shortly after pushing the victim further back into the apartment, Mazard pulled out a black handgun, fired one gunshot in her direction, and stated “The next one won’t miss,” according to the report.
Police said the victim was able to escape through the rear door of the apartment and ran to her home following the incident.
The victim sustained bruising to her arms and legs and sustained a minor cut to her face, according to investigators.
Authorities said following the incident the North Miami Police Department arrested Mazard at his home on Thursday.
While being interviewed by detectives, Mazard admitted to having sex with the victim but denied that he was the father of her unborn child, according to the report.
The report also stated that Mazard denied striking and shooting at the victim and taking both of her cellphones.
Detectives determined that Mazard’s alibi was inconsistent and he was taken into custody just after 9:15 p.m. Thursday, the report stated.
As of Friday, he is being held without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.