The City of Ocala Director of Human Resources and Risk Management was arrested last week on charges of domestic battery after allegedly striking his wife in the back of the head with a hair dryer.
On Friday, November 5, at around 11:15 p.m., an Ocala Police Department officer responded to an Ocala residence in reference to a reported domestic battery.
The officer spoke with a female victim who identified herself as the wife of the suspect, Jared Sorensen. She told the officer that they have been having ongoing marital problems.
The victim stated that she was unable to access phone conversations on Sorensen’s work phone which led to an argument, and he allegedly began shoving her.
According to the victim, Sorensen grabbed a hair dryer that was on the bathroom counter and struck her on the back of the head, causing a welt.
She screamed for her adult son who was sleeping upstairs. Her son forced his way into the bedroom and was able to restrain Sorensen on the ground.
Sorensen spoke with the officer, confirming that he had been having arguments with his wife over the phone, and stating that he wanted a divorce.
Sorensen told the officer that he tried to avoid his wife all night. He had a few drinks, decided to go to bed, and claimed that he was sound asleep when his wife woke him up.
He stated that he did not remember hitting or fighting with anyone, though he was sore from the struggle with his son.
The officer also spoke with the victim’s son, who recalled hearing his mother scream before running to the bedroom.
Upon entering the room, the victim’s son alleged that Sorensen charged him and tried to punch him. The victim’s son says he was able to hold Sorensen down and block the punches until law enforcement was contacted.
The OPD report mentioned a strong odor of alcohol on Sorensen’s breath during the investigation.
Sorensen was arrested shortly after midnight on November 6 and was transported to Marion County Jail. He was released later that afternoon on his own recognizance.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Sorensen has served as the city of Ocala Director of Human Resources and Risk Management since May 2011.
He faces a misdemeanor charge for battery and has an upcoming court date on November 15 at 1:00 p.m., according to jail records.