Florence man arrested on domestic violence charges, accused of punching woman in face

FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) — The Florence Police Department (FPD) says that a traffic stop led to a man being arrested on domestic violence charges on Saturday, February 17.

According to FPD, an officer was patrolling near the area of the Patton Island Overlook and saw a suspicious vehicle pulling away after seeing the officer’s vehicle. After initiating a traffic stop, the officer noticed a male and a female inside the vehicle. However, the female had severe bruising and swelling on her face.

Upon further investigation, the female told officers that she woke up and saw a male, who was later identified as William Nearer, going through her phone. Shortly after, Nearer started to punch the female in the face.

FPD said that the female was transported to the hospital by EMS for treatment and was later released. Officers also found marijuana and drug paraphernalia on Nearer.

After being interviewed by detectives, 31-year-old William Naerer, of Florence was charged with second-degree domestic violence, second-degree possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Nearer was booked into the Lauderdale County Detention Center on a $31,000 bond.