UPDATE: Man arrested for battery on Siesta Key

Bradenton Herald employee William Winter, 45, was arrested Friday, June 1, on three charges of Battery. 

According to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, Winter approached a birthday party at Beach Point Resort on Siesta Key and started to shine a flashlight into the eyes of party-goers telling them to turn the music off. Winter was asked to leave the property, but refused.

A fight broke out between Winter and a party-goer. Witness Kaleigh Thinnes told authorities Winter slammed the head of the party-goer in the asphalt, beating him unconcious. Winter was pulled off the man, but proceeded to kick him and re-engaged the victim after he was pulled off initially.

Winter fled when a Sheriff's helicopter arrived on scene. He was located standing in the front yard of his residence, covered in blood. WInter had injuries to his head. He and the victim were transported to the Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

Prior to the altercation, Winter and the victims did not know each other and had never met before.

On Bradenton Herald's website, Winter is listed as holding an interactive media position under the senior management team, and holding an online content director position in the newsroom department.