Intoxicated Man Arrested After Allegedly Kicking and Headbutting Deputy in Marathon
A 54-year-old man from Marathon faces multiple charges, including battery on a law enforcement officer, after authorities say he became violent with deputies responding to a call at a local bar on Saturday night. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) reported that Donald Philip Parkinson was arrested following a disturbance outside the Brass Monkey bar near U.S. 1 and Sombrero Beach Road.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrived at the scene around 9 p.m. to find Parkinson unconscious and lying in the road. A manager at the establishment had requested that Parkinson be issued a trespass warning to bar him from the property. When deputies woke Parkinson, he allegedly began yelling and cursing, refusing to cooperate with law enforcement personnel.
Officials stated that Parkinson was unable to walk without assistance and refused to voluntarily enter a patrol vehicle. He was subsequently transported to Fisherman’s Community Hospital for evaluation. During the transport and while at the facility, Parkinson reportedly continued to yell and physically resist, at one point attempting to headbutt a deputy. The MCSO statement alleges he also punched and kicked at members of the Sheriff’s Office during the altercation.
Parkinson has been charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, and disorderly intoxication. It was not immediately clear if Parkinson had retained legal counsel to speak on his behalf regarding the allegations. He remained in custody as of Sunday afternoon.
Battery on a law enforcement officer is a serious offense in Florida, often classified as a third-degree felony, which can carry significant penalties if a conviction is reached. Interactions involving intoxicated individuals and law enforcement in the Florida Keys have frequently led to similar additional charges when resistance occurs during medical or jail transport.
miamiherald.com
