Lake Wales Resident Charged with Beating Local Woman

A local woman is in critical condition after being found badly beaten in an apartment early Saturday morning. Lake Wales Police responded to a call of an individual expressing suicidal thoughts, but the investigation soon discovered the victim, who was unconscious on the floor of her nearby apartment.

The incident unfolded at 3:25 am at a location on North First Street, and led to the nearby apartment on West Sessoms Avenue, which the police report described as "completely destroyed" and "blood-splattered." Lake Wales Fire Department and Polk County Emergency Medical Services responded and were able to stabilize the victim.

Police quickly obtained an arrest warrant for Charles Aaron Armstrong Jr., who reportedly has a lengthy record of convictions for often-violent crimes, including aggravated battery, armed robbery, and attempted murder. He had been arrested as recently as February for throwing a "deadly missile" into an occupied vehicle, according to the Lake Wales Police Department..

The unidentified victim was transported by Emergency Medical Services to a local hospital where she remains in critical condition. There is no public information available at this time as to the relationship between the suspect and the victim.

Police are requesting anyone who has any additional information about Armstrong or his recent activities to contact Detective Russell Klinger at 863-778-4223. Those wishing to remain anonymous may reach out through Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-8477.