New Smyrna Beach, FL — A 54-year-old woman accused of throwing hot coffee on a mother, her infant son, and their dog is now in custody and being held under an ICE detainer, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
The incident unfolded on Friday morning along Quail Ranch Road, where deputies responded to a report of a disturbance involving two women, two dogs, and an escalating confrontation.
Morning Walk Turns Hostile
According to the arrest affidavit, the mother had been walking with her baby and their unleashed dog earlier that morning. As she passed by a nearby home, another woman — later identified as Nina Jaaskelainen, 54 — was outside with her own dog.
Deputies said Jaaskelainen immediately began yelling at the mother, demanding she place her dog on a leash. The mother’s dog was reportedly walking calmly at her side at the time.
Coffee Thrown at Dog, Then at Mother and Baby
Sheriff’s officials said Jaaskelainen then threw coffee at the woman’s dog, claiming that her own dog had been killed before and that the off-leash pet distressed her.
An argument broke out between the two women. During the exchange, deputies said Jaaskelainen approached the mother and threw more coffee, splashing both the mother and her infant son.
Deputies observed dried coffee stains on the mother, the baby and the dog at the scene. The mother also showed deputies cell phone footage capturing parts of the confrontation.
Suspect Admits Throwing Coffee — Partially
According to the affidavit, Jaaskelainen admitted to throwing coffee at the dog but denied intentionally splashing the mother or her child.
She told deputies she believed the mother, her son, and their dog were on her property and that her actions were a response to keeping her own dog calm.
Despite her explanation, deputies determined that her actions constituted a crime and took her into custody.
Charges and Immigration Status
Jaaskelainen now faces two counts of battery — one relating to the mother and another to the infant.
Investigators also learned that Jaaskelainen was born in Finland and is currently in the United States illegally, making her “subject to removal proceedings,” according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
As a result, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed an ICE detainer on her. According to jail records, Jaaskelainen remains in custody pending further legal action.
Neighbors Caught Off Guard
Residents in the area said the street is usually quiet, with many describing the altercation as surprising and out of character for the neighborhood. Deputies did not report any injuries, though officials emphasized that throwing liquid — even coffee — on an infant constitutes battery under Florida law.
A Reminder About Pet Disputes
Deputies noted that disagreements over pets often escalate quickly and urged residents to call authorities rather than engage physically.
Leash laws vary between neighborhoods and counties, but officials encouraged dog owners to stay mindful when walking pets near private property.
Should harsher penalties apply when an infant is involved in a battery case? Drop your thoughts below — this one is bound to spark debate.
