Daytona City Commissioner Robert Gilliland was arrested Sunday morning and faces charges for allegedly punching a 66-year-old man.
According to a police report attained by WFTV, Gilliland became impatient with the man, Alan Robinson, at the gate outside the Pelican Bay subdivision, located on Bellville Road. Gilliland began honking his horn at Robinson who was talking to the security guard at the gate.
Once Robinson moved through the gate, he stopped his car, got out of the vehicle and approached Gilliland, who, according to a police report, began to swear at Robinson. Robinson, a Department of Defense employee, confiscated Gilliand’s keys because he believe the commissioner was intoxicated. Robinson told Gilliland that he had called the police and they would wait for the to arrive.
According to reports, the fight escalated and Gilliland allegedly punched Robinson on the right side of his face, knocking him down. Reported damages from the hit included a bloodshot eye and a red right ear for Robinson.
Police said that when they arrived, Gilliland was slurring his speech and he was having trouble standing but they could not charge him with driving under the influence because there was no accident and the commissioner wasn’t behind the wheel when officers arrived. The incident occurred around 1 a.m.
According to WESH Orlando, police said they believe a security camera captured much of what went on and they are working to retrieve the video.
Gilliland was arrested on scene and charged with battery on a person over 65-years-old but was later bonded out of jail.
