CRESTVIEW, Fla. — A deputy with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) reportedly fought off an armed suspect who attempted to draw a gun and take the deputy’s weapon during a violent encounter Wednesday night.
The deputy had been investigating a recent armed burglary on Auburn Lane when he spotted a man on a minibike near Willow Lane who matched the suspect’s description. After stopping the man, the deputy said the individual gave a false name and then turned as if working on the bike.
According to the OCSO, the deputy saw the man reach for a loaded .380 pistol in his front pants pocket. A struggle followed, during which the man is said to have struck the deputy multiple times and made repeated attempts to disarm him.
The deputy was reportedly able to use his training to gain control of the situation. A Good Samaritan then rushed in to assist, followed by the arrival of another deputy.
Nineteen-year-old Blake Spieth of Willow Lane was taken into custody. He is said to have had a mask and head covering that matched surveillance footage from the burglary, along with stolen items including tools and a Turtle Box speaker.
Mr Spieth is now charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon, resisting an officer with violence, larceny, possession of a firearm with an altered serial number, possession of fentanyl, armed trespassing, and possession of burglary tools and drug paraphernalia.
“This is a prime example of how quickly things can go south for law enforcement officers working to protect our citizens and their property,” said Sheriff Eric Aden. “
We’re incredibly grateful our brave deputy was able to use his training to escape harm in this incident, and we want to acknowledge the courage of the Good Samaritan who rushed to his aid during the struggle over a weapon.”
Mr Spieth was booked without bond at the Okaloosa County Jail in Crestview.
