Flagler deputies taze man who attempted to flee from a traffic stop

While conducting proactive patrols at the Microtel in Palm Coast just before 10 p.m. on Friday, April 26, Deputy Dorsey encountered a suspicious vehicle. He observed a white Dodge Charger backed into the parking lot with the trunk and doors open and the windows down. He also observed five subjects loitering in and around the vehicle. One of the subjects appeared to be wearing a face mask that obscured parts of his face.

After calling for additional deputies, Deputy Dorsey returned to the area with backup and found the vehicle in the same position, with two males now standing on either side, and a strong burnt marijuana smell emanating from the vehicle.

Deputies began conducting a search of the vehicle when three more subjects arrived on scene. One of the subjects, later identified as Demarcus Powell, 24 from Macon, Georgia, who had originally been standing near the passenger-side door, continued to move further away from the vehicle appearing as if he was looking to flee. Deputies warned him if he continued to do so, he would be detained.

After locating a firearm with an extended magazine inside a backpack within the vehicle, deputies attempted to secure all involved persons in handcuffs pending further investigation. When Deputy Dorsey attempted to place Powell in handcuffs, Powell pushed the deputy and attempted to flee before tripping and rolling into nearby bushes. As Deputy Dorsey attempted to regain control of the subject, Powell refused all commands to place his hands behind his back. When Deputy Harrison attempted to utilize his taser, Powell attempted to grab it.

Deputy Harrison successfully deployed his taser and Powell was finally secured.

In a continued search of the vehicle, deputies located three separate baggies containing a combined total of 82g of THC. They also found a .45 caliber handgun with extended magazine, 67 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition, several loose baggies, and an electronic scale with marijuana residue. Powell was arrested for Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, and Resisting Arrest with Violence, and was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. He recently posted a bond of $12,500 and was released.