A Lakeland man with a previous conviction for second-degree murder was arrested again this week after allegedly assaulting a 16-year-old boy at a school bus stop. The incident occurred on Tuesday in Lakeland, Florida, and was witnessed by a DoorDash driver who reported the incident to the authorities. The man, identified as Jarrett Garrett McCabe, was charged with simple battery, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
McCabe claimed that his son had been attacked by two boys on Monday, but an investigation revealed that his son had been involved in fights with the boys on separate occasions and was not “jumped.” The day after the fight, McCabe waited at the bus stop to see if the boys would confront his son again.
When the boys got off the bus, McCabe confronted them and allegedly slapped one of them in the face. However, the DoorDash driver who witnessed the incident stated that McCabe actually punched the boy in the face and stomach. The 16-year-old boy was the same one involved in the previous fight with McCabe’s son, while the other boy present at the bus stop was unharmed.
Sheriff Grady Judd commented on the incident, stating that while it’s understandable for a father to be upset about his son being attacked, resorting to violence is not an appropriate reaction. He also mentioned McCabe’s criminal history, which includes prior convictions for second-degree murder, aggravated assault with a weapon, and throwing a deadly missile into a building or vehicle. McCabe has previously served nearly seven years in Florida state prison.
McCabe has been released from Polk County Jail following his arrest.
