Battery on LEOs/Mental health evaluation: 8/10/23

Yesterday, deputies responded to a home Oetter Drive in South Daytona to take a man into custody for an involuntary mental health assessment on a judge’s order. On arrival, deputies found the man naked in the backyard hosing himself off. He was not receptive to their presence, challenged them and then dove into a retention pond. Multiple deputies and a trained negotiator attempted to convince the man to come out of the water with no success. Deputies boarded on airboat to approach and ultimately take him into custody. Several South Daytona police officers also assisted in carrying him to shore. During the struggle, several units were punched and kicked, including one deputy who was struck in the eye and sustained multiple gashes to his face that required stitches. The defendant was charged with one count of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, 8 counts of battery on a LEO and 9 counts of resisting arrest with violence. The defendant was not injured but still transported to the hospital for evaluation as a precaution. Mental health calls are difficult for all involved. We’re posting this video to show the tough situations our deputies and officers face and their dedication to resolving them.