Florida Woman Waiting for Ambulance Slaps Husband Right in Front of Cop, Police Say

Photo Volusia County Corrections A Florida woman waiting for an ambulance after complaining of chest pain slapped her husband across the face while he was speaking to her, police say. Unfortunately for her, the whole thing happened directly in front of a Daytona Beach police officer who had just called for medical assistance.

Jennifer Christine Finno, 45, was arrested October 17 on a misdemeanor domestic battery charge, according to a Daytona Beach Police Department probable-cause affidavit filed in Volusia County court.

Officer Sean Wagner reported being approached around 1:34 a.m. near Main Street and South Hollywood Avenue by Finno, who complained of pain on the left side of her chest. She requested an ambulance, and Wagner contacted paramedics.

While they waited for emergency medical personnel to arrive, Finno’s husband, Robert Ellis, approached the officer and identified himself. According to the affidavit, the couple had been married for approximately 20 years and lived together.

Finno was sitting on the sidewalk when Ellis knelt beside her to talk. The conversation didn’t last long.

After approximately 15 seconds, Wagner reported seeing Finno slap her husband across the face with her right hand. The officer said the slap happened directly in front of him, and he immediately placed her under arrest.

Ellis declined to give police a statement, refused medical treatment, and said he did not want criminal charges pursued against his wife. He also declined to complete domestic violence paperwork.

However, under Florida Statute 741.29, an officer investigating domestic violence can make an arrest based on probable cause without the victim’s consent. The law also states that the decision to arrest should not depend on the victim’s willingness to testify.

Florida law separately permits officers to make warrantless arrests for misdemeanors committed in their presence under Florida Statute 901.15. In this case, Wagner reported witnessing the slap himself, so he did not need Ellis to make a complaint or agree to press charges.

The decision to prosecute ultimately belongs to the state, although a victim’s willingness to cooperate can affect how a case proceeds.

Despite the arrest, Finno still received the medical attention she had requested. According to the affidavit, emergency medical personnel transported her to Halifax hospital, where she was medically cleared for jail.

Wagner subsequently transported her to a detention transfer facility at 129 Valor Boulevard.

The officer reported wearing an Axon body camera during the investigation, although the affidavit does not specify whether the slap was captured on video.

Court records identify the charge as misdemeanor battery under Florida Statute 784.03(1)(a)1. The charge remains an allegation, and Finno is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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