Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operation Bureau

Rachel Anne Hayes (Arrested)
DOB: 05/26/1987
Address: 606 ½ Belleview Boulevard, Clearwater

Arrested for Aggravated Battery on and Elderly Person - Domestic

The victim is a 72 year-old female, who is known to the suspect. Per Florida Statute §415.107(1) no further information will be released that would tend to identify the victim.

What:
Deputies have arrested a Clearwater woman for slapping an elderly woman after she refused to accept her Facebook friend request.

When:
The suspect was arrested at about 4:00 a.m. on December 18^th, 2014.

The incident occurred during the evening hours on December 17, 2014.

Where:
The incident occurred at a private residence in Seminole.

Why/How:
According to deputies the suspect, 27-year-old Rachel Anne Hayes became engaged in verbal argument with a 72-year-old female, after the victim refused her Facebook friend request.

Deputies say the victim refused the request because she felt the name that Hayes was using on Facebook was inappropriate. The victim told Hayes she would be willing to accept the request if she would change the name.

According to deputies, Hayes became upset when the victim refused and walked out of the home. When she returned the two re-engaged in an argument at the front door of the home.  Deputies say Hayes slapped the victim several times, before the victim was able to retreat into the home and lock the door.

When deputies responded, the suspect had already left the residence. Through their investigation, deputies subsequently arrested the suspect for Felony Aggravated Battery on an Elderly Person. Hayes was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without further incident.

The investigation continues.   

Rachel Anne Hayes