A high-speed stop on U.S. 1 in the Florida Keys turned into a violent roadside struggle Friday afternoon after a Lake City man allegedly fought off deputies while being arrested for riding a stolen motorcycle.
Donald Charles Brantley, 35, now faces a string of felony charges, including battery on a law enforcement officer, grand theft auto, criminal mischief, and resisting arrest with violence.
The incident began around 2:36 p.m. near Mile Marker 30 when Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies spotted a motorcycle that had been reported stolen out of Jacksonville.
When they attempted to take Brantley into custody, the situation quickly escalated. According to investigators, Brantley refused to follow commands or walk to the patrol car, at one point tensing his body and twisting away from the officers.
READ: Machete-Wielding Florida Man Arrested After Late-Night Boat Brawl
The confrontation turned physical when Brantley allegedly tried to strike the deputies multiple times. While he did manage to kick the officers, the Sheriff’s Office confirmed that no serious injuries were reported. During the scuffle, Brantley also reportedly caused $2,000 in damage to the door of a patrol vehicle.
To bring the 35-year-old under control, deputies utilized both pepper spray and a Taser. Following the struggle, Brantley was transported to Lower Keys Medical Center on Stock Island for a medical clearance before being booked into jail.
A subsequent search of Brantley’s backpack uncovered a variety of suspicious items, including two-way radios, tools, SIM cards, and multiple state IDs and credit cards belonging to other individuals. Authorities stated that more charges may be pending as the investigation into the recovered property continues.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
