Gainesville, Florida – A late-night confrontation inside a busy college bar bathroom turned into a chaotic series of assaults that left three women injured and an 18-year-old facing multiple charges, according to police. The incident, which unfolded shortly after midnight at UF Plaza near the University of Florida, resulted in two separate police reports and three alleged victims.
Incident Overview
Investigators said Sierra Halton Lindberg, 18, was arrested after allegedly attacking two women inside a bathroom before punching a bar employee who attempted to escort her out of the establishment. Records show she is charged with three counts of assault.
Officers responded to UF Plaza on Nov. 1 after witnesses and victims described a violent confrontation that began inside one of the women’s restroom stalls.
What Police Say Happened in the Bathroom
According to the first affidavit, the first victim told officers she was inside a bathroom stall when Lindberg allegedly entered, grabbed her by the hair, and dragged her to the ground. Police noted that the woman’s hair was visibly shedding on the right side as she spoke to them.
A second woman reported she was in a nearby stall and witnessed Lindberg pull the first victim down by her hair. When she attempted to break up the fight, Lindberg allegedly turned on her, grabbing her hair, dragging her to the floor, and kneeing her in the stomach. Officers observed a bloodstain in the second victim’s hair during the interview.
Both women described a sudden, aggressive assault, saying they did not provoke Lindberg.
Lindberg’s Version of Events
During a post-Miranda interview, Lindberg gave officers her account, insisting she was leaving the bathroom when the two victims entered and that one of them grabbed her first. She said she responded by grabbing one victim’s hair and claimed that “they hit me first.”
Lindberg stated that both women went to the floor during the scuffle and denied initiating the altercation.
Employee Assault Reported Outside the Bar
The situation escalated further as staff attempted to remove Lindberg from the building.
A female employee stated she was escorting Lindberg outside and had been instructed to remove the wristband from Lindberg’s arm. As she reached toward the wristband, Lindberg allegedly punched her in the face with a closed fist.
Witnesses told officers the employee was struck directly in the face before being pulled to the ground by her hair.
When asked about the second incident, Lindberg told police that the employee had taken her arm to escort her out. She admitted she “did strike the victim with a closed fist,” but claimed she could not remember where she hit her. She also reportedly said, “She pulled me somewhere I didn’t like, so I hit her.”
Witness Statements and Police Findings
Multiple witnesses supported the employee’s version of events, saying they saw Lindberg deliver the punch. Officers documented visible injuries among all three alleged victims.
Police records list Lindberg as a student, though the school was not identified. She was later released on her own recognizance. Court dates connected to the charges were not immediately available.
Broader Safety Concerns at College-Area Nightspots
The incident comes as law enforcement agencies nationwide continue to emphasize safety at bars located in university districts. Crowded nightlife areas often see an uptick in physical altercations, especially during late-night hours when students gather around campus bars.
Officials regularly urge students and visitors to remain aware of their surroundings, avoid escalating conflicts, and report disturbances early. Bar employees are often trained to intervene quickly, but staff members may still face risk when removing patrons involved in heated confrontations.
Community Response
While the investigation continues, the case has drawn attention from residents and students who frequent UF Plaza. The shopping center is known for its concentration of nightlife venues, making it a hotspot for weekend crowds. Incidents of violence, though not common, raise questions about security and staff safety protocols.
Authorities have not released additional details about the conditions of the victims or whether further disciplinary actions may follow if Lindberg is found to be affiliated with a local school.
Conclusion
The three alleged victims provided consistent accounts to police of being grabbed, pulled to the ground, and struck during two connected altercations involving Lindberg. With multiple charges filed and an ongoing investigation, authorities are expected to release more information as the case moves forward in court.
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