A Florida Highway Patrol trooper was arrested Wednesday afternoon following an investigation into allegations that he inappropriately touched a woman during a traffic stop earlier this month, Lake County deputies said.

  • FHP trooper accused of touching 21-year-old woman during traffic stop
  • The traffic stop happened earlier September near VIA|Port Mall
  • A Snapchat conversation between the trooper, victim led to charges

Trooper David Gonzalez, 35, was charged with battery. He was booked into the Lake County Detention Center.

The victim, a 21-year-old woman, reported that she was pulled over by Gonzalez earlier this month for speeding along U.S. Highway 441 in the area of VIA|Port Mall, according to a news release. The woman stated Gonzalez had her move her vehicle down a side street after complimenting her on her looks. The victim also stated that she was asked to step out of her car, at which time Gonzalez took her phone and added himself to her Snapchat account and then had her take a selfie of the two of them.

According to the victim, Gonzalez then hugged her, kissed her and "groped her breast against her will," deputies said.

Detectives monitored a Snapchat conversation on Sept. 27 between the victim and Gonzalez. The trooper made statements that confirmed the victim's account of the traffic stop, deputies said.

A warrant was issued earlier Wednesday, and Gonzalez was taken into custody just after 1 p.m. at the jail. His bond was set at $10,000.