Antonio Betts is charged with tried felony tried homicide for allegedly dragging a Fort Walton Beach Police officer with his automobile during a traffic stop. (Okaloosa County Jail Log / WKRG)
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. (WKRG) — A man stopped by officers for an alleged traffic violation was arrested for tried felony homicide after he drug officers with his car, in keeping with a launch from the Fort Walton Beach Police Department.
According to the discharge, officers tried to tug over Antonio Betts, 27, for a traffic violation Saturday afternoon. Police say Betts stopped and when officers walked as much as the car and tried to find out the man’s identification. While working to find out Betts’ identification, officers mentioned they observed drug paraphernalia and a knife in the car.
Officers requested Betts to get out of the car and mentioned he refused. Because of this, officers tried to tug Betts out of the car. Officers mentioned that’s when Betts allegedly trapped one of many officer’s arms and began driving.
A second officer tried to get the primary officer’s arm freed whereas they have been each being dragged with the car. The second officer was capable of free the opposite officer’s arm however then turned trapped as Betts grabbed that officer’s shoulder microphone. Betts then allegedly instructed the officer “You’re going to die today.”
After saying that, Betts began driving towards an influence pole whereas hitting the officer in the face. The officer was capable of seize the steering wheel and hit the brake with his foot.
Backup models used a stun gun on Betts and have been capable of take him into custody. Betts is charged with tried felony homicide, aggravated battery with a lethal weapon, fleeing and eluding, possession of a managed substance, false identify whereas lawfully detained, resisting arrest with out violence, and depriving regulation enforcement officer means on communication.
Both the officers and Betts have been taken to the Fort Walton Destin Medical Center and have been handled for minor accidents.
