A misdemeanor stop for possession of marijuana led to a number of felony arrests for a Palm Beach man.
A police officer was allegedly walking along the beach in Palm Beach County when he detected the smell of marijuana.
The officer claims that he observed the accused smoking marijuana. When the officer went to detain the accused, the accused allegedly led the officer on a foot chase.
While being taken into custody the accused is charged with trying to strike the officer in the case. As the accused was being taken down to the ground, it is alleged that he tried to wrestle with the officer. The officer had to use his Taser.
The man was not charged with possession of marijuana because he allegedly threw his pipe while running from the officer.
The man is being charged with tampering with physical evidence, resisting an officer with violence, and battery on a law enforcement officer (LEO).
All three crimes are third-degree felonies, each punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
Eric Matheny is a criminal defense attorney representing clients in Miami-Dade County.