University of Florida linebacker Cristian Garcia is being praised after he reportedly stepped in to stop an alleged sexual assault behind a Gainesville bar. According to the Associated Press and the Gainesville police report, Garcia was working security at the bar and was taking out the trash around 2 a.m. Thursday when he noticed two people near a dumpster and realized the woman appeared to be unconscious.
Garcia says he grabbed the man’s shoulder and told him to get off of her. He said the man became aggressive and tried to throw punches. Police identified the man as 34 year old Christopher Shaw, who was arrested and charged with sexual battery. He was reportedly held on a $500,000 bond.
Police say security camera video backs up Garcia’s account. In the report, officers wrote that the woman was unable to give consent because of her level of intoxication, and that she could be seen slumping over with her eyes closed. According to the report, Shaw told investigators the woman pulled him toward the dumpster and that he kissed her but denied any sexual contact. Police said that account is contradicted by the video and by the woman, who is not being named. A charge is not a conviction, and the case is still pending.
Garcia has been called a hero for what he did, but he says helping was an easy call. He explained that he thought the woman was probably drunk and that what he saw was not right. He also encouraged young women to stay with friends when they go out.
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