Authorities in Miami have arrested and charged a Planet Fitness member after she repeatedly punched a gym employee who told her to lower her voice.
Per NBC 6 South Florida, the December 12 incident occurred at a Planet Fitness gym on 775 Southwest 8th Street. The incident, which was captured on video, shows the suspect, identified as 35-year-old Kiara Bryant jumping over a counter before throwing punches at the staffer.
Officers initially responded to the scene after authorities received a report about a woman “running without clothing at the Planet Fitness.” Authorities alleged that at the time the officers responded to the scene, Bryant was in the parking lot and causing a disturbance. Authorities added that the suspect was shouting profanities and “attempting to fight everyone.”
In an arrest report, authorities stated the incident started in the locker room and after a disturbance. Bryant is said to have confronted the victim after he told her to lower her voice because she was not allowed to yell inside the gym. The victim also told Bryant that he would call police if she did not lower her voice.
After Bryant allegedly attacked the victim, she attempted to drive away in her car, but bystanders confronted her. After the officers arrived, she told one of the law enforcement officials that she approached the victim, “got in his face and flinched at him in an aggressive manner because he told her she couldn’t be disorderly inside the gym, and then got pushed by the victim,” NBC 6 South Florida reported.
Bryant was ultimately arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery and disorderly conduct in an establishment.
“The safety of our employees and members is our top priority and we have zero tolerance for violence of any kind in our clubs. We are committed to providing a safe environment. The franchise group worked closely with local police and have cancelled the member in question,” Planet Fitness said in a statement.
“Our client suffered serious harm as a result of this incident. Our firm is conducting a comprehensive investigation and will leave no stone unturned in pursuing justice and accountability for our client through all available legal remedies. At this time, it would be inappropriate to comment further,” Alecsander Kohn, the victim’s attorney, also said in a statement.
