LAKELAND, Fla. – A heated dispute over living arrangements escalated into violence Sunday night, leading to the arrest of 38-year-old Brian Joseph Troxtel by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to a residence on Pinedale Drive in Lakeland at approximately 9:08 p.m. on December 15. The call involved a battery complaint where the victim, a 74-year-old man, sustained injuries.
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According to the investigation, the victim, who lives in a secondary building on the property, was in the process of moving out. Troxtel, who planned to move into the building, became frustrated over the delay. The victim reported hearing banging on his doors and windows and went outside to investigate. Once outside, Troxtel allegedly tackled the elderly man, causing multiple abrasions.
Deputies arrested Troxtel and transported him to the Polk County Jail. However, while being placed in a holding cell, Troxtel reportedly pushed the cell door forcefully against a deputy.
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Troxtel now faces charges of battery on a person over 65 and battery on a law enforcement officer. Both charges are felonies.
Pok County Sheriff’s Office humorously summed up the situation, remarking, “On a Sunday near Christmas, Brian Troxtel got two felonies and a jailbird in an orange tree.”
Troxtel remains in custody as he awaits his next court appearance. This incident highlights the severity of assaulting elderly individuals and law enforcement officers, both of which are taken seriously under Florida law.
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