Man accused of punching neighbour who refused to have a drink with him

A refusal of a drink led a Florida man to attack his neighbour on Wednesday night, police say. Officers arrested Edelman Nogueira, 42, after he allegedly punched his neighbour in the back of the head.

Officers were called shortly before 10pm to an apartment complex in Palm Springs. According to the report, a 39-year-old resident told officers he had just come home from a gym and was walking to his apartment when Nogueria asked if he would have a drink with him.



The man declined, explaining to Nogueria that his wife had dinner waiting. As his neighbour kept walking, Nogueria punched him, police said. The neighbour turned around to tell Nogueria to stop, then continued to his apartment. When the neighbour opened his front door, Nogueria allegedly forced his way inside and struck the neighbour with an open hand.

A brief struggle ensued before the neighbour was able to force Nogueria out and lock the door. When officers arrived, Nogueria was placed into custody and taken to a holding cell at the police department. He reportedly kicked and punched the glass holding cell, prompting officers to put him in the body restraint. Nogueira, who faces charges of battery, is being held without bail at the Palm Beach County Jail.