Jacksonville Criminal Defense Attorney Blog
In Baker County this week, a man was arrested for fleeing police and for kicking a police dog, according to an article in the Florida Times Union. Officers claim that the man drove over 100 miles per hour while fleeing them. Police also allege that the man intentionally drove his car at the them, which led to the added charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Once the car hit a tree, the man allegedly refused to exit the vehicle. Police sent in a canine and the man allegedly kicked and hit at the dog. The man was treated for injuries at a local hospital and medical staff apparently found a handcuff key up his anus.
The man now faces numerous felonies in Baker County. The first is an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. This crime is a third degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison. A car is considered a deadly weapon and when used to threaten someone with violence, it becomes “aggravated” Simple assault in Florida is the intentional and unlawful threat, by word or act, to do violence to another person while having the ability to carry out that violence. The victim of the assault must have a well-founded fear that the violence may occur. In this case, the man was driving the car and “drove at” the police officer. The officer is going to claim that he or she was in fear that they were about to get injured with the vehicle.
The man also was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, which is also a third degree felony in Florida. Many people may not know that a K-9 officer is considered a law enforcement officer, just as a human. Battery is defined as intentionally touching someone against their will or intentionally injuring someone. A simple battery becomes a felony when the victim is law enforcement.
The man also faces a charge of possession of a handcuff key, which is a felony, believe it or not. In the state of Florida, you cannot possess a concealed handcuff key. A handcuff key is a key, tool, or device designed or intended to help with unlocking handcuffs. In order to be considered “concealed” the key can be in a carried in a pocket, on a necklace or other jewelry, in socks or any clothing item not visible, or inside a body cavity. In this case, police claim the man hid the key up his anus.
If you or a loved one needs a criminal defense attorney in Jacksonville or the surrounding area, call The Mussallem Law Firm at (904) 365-5200 for a FREE CONSULTATION. Our Jacksonville Aggravated Assault Attorney, Victoria “Tori” Mussallem, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.