Florida Man Charged with Battery and Resisting Arrest After Argument Turns Violent at Sea
MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – A 48-year-old Florida man was arrested Monday following a physical altercation that began while he and another man were kayaking off Key Largo.
Dante Andrew Santarelli was taken into custody and charged with battery and resisting arrest after allegedly striking a 54-year-old man in the face and head during an argument at sea.
The incident came to light after the Sheriff’s Office was notified at approximately 7 p.m. that two kayakers from the Rock Reef Resort were overdue. A search, which included the U.S. Coast Guard, concluded successfully with both men being located safely ashore.
However, deputies discovered that the men had been involved in a heated dispute while on the water that escalated into a physical assault. The 54-year-old victim initially stated he did not wish to press charges, but changed his mind after Santarelli reportedly left the scene.
Santarelli was located by deputies shortly thereafter. According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, he refused to comply with commands to enter a patrol vehicle, leading to the additional charge of resisting arrest.
The victim’s injuries were reported as non-life-threatening. Santarelli was subsequently transported to jail.
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