MIAMI – A Miami man was arrested Tuesday for allegedly assaulting his longtime girlfriend and pregnant stepdaughter during a domestic dispute that occurred nearly six months ago, police confirmed Wednesday.
Miami police said 50-year-old Terry Demascus Mealing and his girlfriend, who have been in an 18-year relationship and share a child, were involved in the altercation after she returned home from a trip to Texas on April 28.
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According to police, Mealing’s girlfriend said that upon her arrival, he was sitting on the porch as she brought food for their children. When she entered her bedroom, Mealing followed, initiating an argument about her trip. The confrontation escalated, and police said Mealing slapped the victim multiple times.
Mealing’s stepdaughter, who was eight months pregnant at the time, told officers she heard the commotion and entered the bedroom, where she saw him on top of her mother, raising his hand to strike, authorities said.
According to his arrest report, the stepdaughter tried to intervene, but Mealing elbowed her in the stomach while shouting, “Get off of me!”
Police said Mealing’s girlfriend confirmed that he knew his stepdaughter was pregnant during the alleged attack.
Investigators said fire rescue personnel responded to the scene and checked on the stepdaughter, who did not require hospitalization. Mealing fled the residence in an unknown direction before police arrived, according to investigators.
On Tuesday, the Miami Police Department’s Domestic Violence Apprehension Team located and arrested Mealing. He was taken into custody without incident and did not make any statements, police said.
Jail records show he faces charges of aggravated battery of a pregnant victim and battery during a domestic violence incident.
As of Wednesday, Mealing was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where his bond had not yet been determined.