A Jacksonville man was arrested after brawling with police while being trespassed from the parking lot of the Leesburg Walmart.
Brian Eugene Breed, 47, was charged with simple battery on a law-enforcement officer, resisting/obstructing with violence and resisting/obstructing without violence after the incident, which happened Thursday evening.
Officers responded to the store, located at 2508 Citrus Blvd., after staff reported a man – later identified as Breed – stumbling through the parking lot and looking into customers’ vehicles. Staff also believed Breed was possibly under the influence of narcotics, according to the police report.
Officers found Breed inside the store, near the alcoholic beverage aisle. He was swaying while standing, and officers could smell the distinct odor of alcohol on his breath. Asked to provide his name, Breed replied, “Chris.” He was told he was being trespassed at management’s request, the report said.
As Breed was being escorted out of the store, he started running towards the parking lot and away from the officers. The officers caught up to him and tried to detain Breed, but he was able break free and run across Citrus Boulevard. He stopped running near the parking lot of Checkers, 2508 Citrus Blvd., according to the report.
Another officer arrived and ordered Breed to stop walking and provide his identification. Breed said he had an ID in his pocket but refused to hand it over. The officer asked Breed to provide his name and date of birth. Breed removed his cell phone and threw it at the officer, striking him in the chest. He tried to rush past the officer, but the officer was able to hold him, the report said.
As officers tried to restrain Breed, he resisted by pushing and using his elbows to strike. He was also cursing at the officers. Officers restrained Breed and identified him via his Florida driver’s license. Breed was issued a trespass warning and placed under arrest, according to the report.
After being placed in a patrol vehicle, Breed started to kick at the driver’s side rear window. Fearing he would injure himself, officers placed him in a four-point restraint. While he was being restrained, Breed spit in the face of one of the officers and tried to spit at another officer, the report said.
Breed was taken to the Lake County Jail, where he remained held Monday on $11,000 bond. He will appear in Lake County Court on June 1.
