The Story

Relationships can be wonderful between two people who truly love each other. Relationships can also be scary and dangerous if the wrong partner is involved. A woman learned this the hard way when an ex-boyfriend broke into her Panama City Beach to attack her with a hammer.

Man Attacks Ex with Hammer in Panama City Beach

“PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) — A Panama City Beach man is accused of hitting a woman with a hammer and raping her after breaking into her home.

According to an arrest affidavit, 52-year-old David Brown was inside the victim’s home when she returned home from work.

Once inside, the victim said she had an uneasy feeling that someone else was with her in her bedroom. She then saw Brown standing behind her with a hammer in his hand.

The victim told officers Brown had struck her in the head with a hammer. He threatened to kill her and himself after grabbing a knife and then raped her, the victim said.

Court records state Brown, the woman’s former, longtime boyfriend, had called her right before she entered the house. The woman told police they had lived together as a couple for more than about 14 years when she broke off the relationship because Brown had become mentally and physically abusive.

Brown moved out five months ago and left the area, she said. She added that she was not aware he had returned to Panama City Beach. Investigators wrote that Brown took a bus from Tallahassee to Panama City Beach shortly before the attack.”

Full story reported on New Orlean’s Very Own WGNO

What Can We Learn?

This is very scary and sadly more common than we would like to think. When a couple breaks up because one of the partners is abusive (or not) make sure to get your locks changed. The abusive partner cannot let go and responds in a vicious and physical manner. If you find yourself in a situation like this, it is always a good idea to take extra care to protect yourself and realize that an attack is possible if not likely with an abusive ex. Any warning signs or threats made AT ALL require action, such as getting a restraining order and training for self-defense with a firearm or other tool.

If you can purchase an alarm system, do so. When you find yourself leaving without locking your doors remind yourself that locking your doors and windows is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and your home. When you arrive at home, look around for any dangers. Always have a tool you can use to protect yourself.