Man accused of beating victim over bicycle purchase

A man trying to get away from his attacker entered his house and locked the door, but the suspect burst into the home and broke the victim's nose, deputies said.

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office was dispatched shortly before 5 p.m. Wednesday to 10000 block of Chalmer Street where they saw blood splatter on the floor of the victim's house and a broken dead bolt to the front door, according to an arrest report.

Ryan Michael Hayes, 21, of 3535 Portillo Road in Spring Hill, was charged with unarmed robbery, burglary of a dwelling and aggravated battery.

Witnesses told authorities they saw Hayes following behind the victim who was trying to walk away from him, according to the report.

Hayes repeatedly struck the victim across his upper body with his fists and the latter entered his house and locked the door, deputies said.

The suspect broke through the door by kicking it with his foot, witnesses said.

He then punched the victim in the nose, according to the report.

The victim walked out of the house, grabbed a chair and used it for self-defense, maneuvering it between him and Hayes to avoid getting hit further, deputies said.

Hayes told authorities he was selling a bicycle to the defendant and they agreed on a $60 price. He noticed the victim had more money in his wallet and demanded he give him more money, but the victim refused, deputies said.

That was when Hayes started throwing punches, according to the report.