POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A late-night trespassing complaint escalated into a violent struggle early Sunday morning when an Eloise man allegedly attempted to disarm a Polk County Sheriff’s deputy during a chaotic arrest behind a closed business.
The incident began just after midnight on July 5, 2026, when deputies responded to a suspicious person call on US 17 in Eagle Lake. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, 39-year-old Jeremy Andrew Hopper was discovered hanging around the back of the property. The business owner told authorities he had repeatedly asked Hopper to leave, but Hopper refused.
When deputies arrived on the scene, they found Hopper sitting down without a shirt on. According to arrest records, he was sweating profusely, speaking incoherently, and exhibiting extreme mood swings that shifted rapidly between happiness and intense anger.
Based on his behavior and physical state, deputies suspected Hopper was under the influence of narcotics. Investigators noted that this assessment was later confirmed when they discovered methamphetamine in his possession.
As deputies attempted to intervene, Hopper’s behavior became increasingly irate and aggressive. A physical struggle ensued as Hopper fought back against the arriving units. At one point during the scuffle, Hopper managed to grab a deputy’s Taser.
Deputies ultimately subdued Hopper and transported him to the Sheriff’s Processing Center.
Records show Hopper is now facing a long list of charges, including third-degree felonies for Resisting with Violence, Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Depriving an Officer of a Means of Protection, and Possession of Methamphetamine.
He also faces misdemeanor charges for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Trespassing, and Resisting without Violence.
READ: U.S. Marshals: Massachusetts Dragnet Snags 110 Violent Fugitives Off The Streets
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