British Man Arrested in Florida Vacation Incident

A British man on vacation in Florida was arrested over the weekend after a disturbing incident involving his stepdaughter. Mark Raymond Gibbon, 62, from Beaconsfield, England, faces charges of attempted second-degree murder and battery, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

The altercation occurred at his villa’s swimming pool at Solterra Resort in Davenport, Florida. Gibbon was reportedly in an argument with his 33-year-old daughter-in-law when he attempted to submerge her underwater.

Witnesses alerted authorities after reporting a “disturbance in the backyard swimming pool.” The inquiry revealed that Gibbon had pushed his daughter-in-law under the water multiple times during their argument, prompting her 9-year-old daughter to jump in, apparently to save her mother.

Gibbon stopped his actions only after two nearby sisters, who were vacationing at a neighboring house, informed him that they had contacted the sheriff’s office.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd made a statement acknowledging the welcoming atmosphere for tourists in the area but stressed the expectation of responsible behavior while visiting. He noted that Gibbon may end up spending more time in Florida than he had anticipated due to his conduct.

Currently, Gibbon is being held at the South County Jail in Polk County.