Man arrested for battery on a LEO when trying to arrest him for involuntary mental health assessment

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.