STUART, Florida (February 3, 2020) – According to an online news report from CBS12.com, Sheriff William Snyder stated that a man has been arrested and is being held at the Martin County jail. Sheriff Snyder stated that the individual tried to escape law enforcement officers after the suspect's car was boxed in by police cars. The suspect attempted ramming vehicles in an attempt to make an escape route to flee police officers. During his attempted escape from law enforcement, the suspect nearly struck a deputy.

According to the CBS12.com online news article, the suspect phoned the City of Stuart at approximately 10 a.m. and made a complaint. The suspect allegedly became upset with the city's handling of his complaint. The suspect then barricaded himself with a shotgun inside of his apartment. The suspect stated that he would fire at any police who showed up at his apartment. Moments before law enforcement could arrive at the suspect's apartment, the suspect fled his apartment and left the scene in his automobile. It was at this time deputies claim the suspect collided with a car in the apartment parking lot and almost struck a sheriff's deputy.

Law enforcement stopped the suspect's car by ramming the suspect's car and pushing the vehicle into the woods using a heavy-duty, sheriff's office truck. The news report states that the suspect remained in his car, and the Martin County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team moved in to make the arrest. The Martin County Sheriff's Office stated that the suspect was found possessing three firearms: a pistol, rifle, and a shotgun. The Martin County Sheriff's Office has not announced what charges will be filed against the suspect at this time.

Florida Statute 784.07 Assault or Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer

According to Florida Statute 784.07, Assault or battery of law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical care providers, public transit employees or agents, or other specified officers, a charge of assault or battery on a law enforcement officer in the State of Florida may be a felony or misdemeanor depending on the circumstances of the incident. Law enforcement officers are defined in Florida as:

  • Auxiliary law enforcement officers
  • Correction officers (Department of Corrections)
  • Federal law enforcement officers
  • Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Officers
  • Local town and city police
  • Parking officers
  • Probation officers
  • Sheriff & Deputies
  • And any other officer of justice.

Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer

The penalties for "Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer" will vary depending on the charges. In the State of Florida, a conviction for assault or battery on a law enforcement officer carries severe penalties, and a conviction on your record could have devastating effects on your reputation and hurt your chances of obtaining employment. A second-degree Misdemeanor charge carries a penalty of up to 60 days in prison and a fine of up to $500. A first-degree misdemeanor charge carries a penalty of up to 1 year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.

Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer

The penalties for "Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer" also vary depending on the severity of the crime. If convicted of a first-degree misdemeanor charge is punishable with up to 1 year in prison and a $1,000 fine. A third-degree felony battery on a law enforcement officer charge carries a penalty of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Aggravated Assault and Aggravated Battery charges range from up to 5 years in prison to up to 30 years in prison with fines ranging from up to $5,000 to up to $10,000 in fines.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime in Florida, you must speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney to understand your legal rights.