Deputies say a man fought with another driver, then became violent as they tried to handcuff him.
By DUANE BOURNE
Published September 10, 2003
BROOKSVILLE - A 36-year-old man was charged Monday with attacking sheriff's deputies after they responded to a road rage incident that had erupted into a fight between the man and another motorist.
John Albright of 26390 Lambeth Road, east of Brooksville, was arrested just before deputies were about to tell him that the other driver, James Pelt of Inverness, did not want to pursue charges against him, a sheriff's report said.
The incident occurred about 10:30 a.m. Monday when authorities said Pelt, 74, pulled in front of Albright's pickup as it traveled south on Mondon Hill Road, near the intersection of Lambeth Road.
According to the sheriff's report, both men got out of their vehicles, and Pelt brandished a wooden bat and struck Albright. Albright managed to grab the bat from Pelt and struck him, the report stated.
A sheriff's deputy, who was patrolling the area, responded and began the initial investigation.
"It started out as a road rage investigation, but as deputies continued the investigation tempers were still flaring," said sheriff's spokesman Lt. Joseph Paez.
Pelt told deputies he did not want to press charges. Albright reached into his pocket for a knife and threatened to kill himself, a report stated.
As sheriff's deputies approached Albright to place him in handcuffs, he began swinging his arms wildly, striking the deputies and spitting in their faces, the report said. The deputies received minor injuries.
Albright was later restrained and taken to the Hernando County Jail. He faces charges of assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, criminal mischief and aggravated battery on a person over 65 years old.
He was being held Tuesday in lieu of $15,250 bail.
- Duane Bourne can be reached at 754-6114. Send e-mail to dbourne@sptimes.com
