Woman arrested for violating a political sign on Pensacola Beach

PENSACOLA BEACH, Fla. – A woman was arrested Thursday for allegedly injuring another woman's eye while waving a political sign on Pensacola Beach last week.

Tiffany Gerken, 52, of Pensacola Beach is charged with:

• Assault on a person aged 65 or over (crime)
• Damage to property (misdemeanor)

WEAR News reported on the incident earlier this week. The victim, 68-year-old Holly Shelton Snowden, spoke about how she sustained her visible eye injury.

She said she was waving Kamala Harris/Tim Walz signs at the corner of Via De Luna and Fort Pickens Road last Friday. At that point, Shelton Snowden said, a passerby – allegedly Gerken – began shouting at their group.

Shelton Snowden says she tried to end the conflict by intervening, but Gerken stole her shield and fled. While trying to get her shield back from Gerken, Shelton Snowden was hit in the eye.

The incident left Shelton Snowden with a bruised eye and broken glasses. Citizens took several photos of the incident.

The suspect left the scene before Shelton Snowden could report the crime to officers.

“I didn't have time to think about anything. I tried not to fall,” she said. “When she hit me I was really hurt. It scared me.”

No details have been released by the sheriff's office at this time.

Gerken remains in the Escambia County Jail on a $2,000 bond.