POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd addressed the recent arrest of a 60-year-old Fort Meade man who allegedly threatened to kill a deputy after being found driving under the influence with a suspended license.
The suspect, identified by the Sheriff as Romaine Flinspach, faces multiple charges following the incident.
According to Judd, the events unfolded after the Sheriff’s Office received calls about a man on a motorcycle who was “stewed” and falling off his bike into people’s yards in Fort Meade. Deputies located the individual, identified as Romaine, and determined he was driving under the influence.
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Further investigation revealed that Romaine was also operating the motorcycle while his driver’s license was suspended and he did not possess a motorcycle endorsement.
Judd highlighted the suspect’s condition and actions, noting that he had apparently been at a liquor store near the Hardee County line before the incident in Fort Meade.
The situation escalated when, during the arrest, Romaine allegedly told a deputy, “When I get out, I’m going to find you and kill you.”
READ: Fort Meade Man Arrested For DUI, Threatening Polk County Deputy After Motorcycle Crash
Judd referenced a recent, separate incident in Fort Meade involving a suspect from Washington Avenue who also allegedly attempted to kill a deputy, stating that it “didn’t end well for him.”
Romaine was subsequently taken into custody.
“He needs to learn to behave. He needs to stay sober. He shouldn’t drive with his license suspended,” Sheriff Judd stated. “We don’t put up with such nonsense in Polk County.”
The suspect is facing charges including DUI, driving on a suspended license, lack of a motorcycle endorsement, resisting arrest, and threatening a law enforcement officer.
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