MULBERRY, Fla. – A 52-year-old Mulberry man, David Coleman, was arrested on Sunday, November 24, after allegedly disrupting a church service and threatening both parishioners and law enforcement. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) has charged Coleman with multiple felonies and misdemeanors.
Deputies responded to a call at a Mulberry church around 9:12 a.m. after reports of a disturbance. Church members informed deputies that Coleman had interrupted the pastor’s sermon, threatening parishioners for the second consecutive week.
The first incident had not been reported to authorities until this latest occurrence.
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When confronted, Coleman reportedly claimed he was “just venting.” However, deputies noted that his behavior included threats of violence, including the suggestion of a mass shooting.
Coleman was taken into custody at the scene. During his arrest, deputies discovered marijuana, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia in his possession.
While being transported to the Polk County Jail, Coleman issued several threats against the deputy and their family, including statements such as:
- “I will hurt everything you love from now until eternity.”
- “You will suffer.”
- “Go to your house, take off your badge, and hug your family, so I can drive this car up your [expletive].”
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Despite the threats, deputies noted some of Coleman’s remarks as unusually creative.
Coleman was booked into the Polk County Jail on the following charges:
- Three felonies: Including making threats against law enforcement.
- Three misdemeanors: Including drug possession and drug paraphernalia.
Given the nature of Coleman’s threats, a judge issued a Risk Protection Order, temporarily prohibiting Coleman from accessing firearms to prevent any potential acts of violence.
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