A 30-year-old Leesburg man put up a fight while being arrested for allegedly stealing more than $800 from his employer.
Christopher M. Decotis, of 11625 Rancho Drive, was charged with grand theft, resisting an officer without violence and three probation violations. It’s his sixth arrest in Lake County since 2017, according to jail records. His prior infractions include trespassing, criminal mischief, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, fleeing, and numerous drug offenses.
Lake County sheriff’s deputies responded to Decotis’ residence on Thursday morning to arrest him in connection with the theft last month of $804 from his employer, Pot of Gold, 33124 County Road 473. The arrest warrant was issued after surveillance video at the business from April 21 showed Decotis pocketing the money instead of placing it in the freezer, which is where he was supposed to put it after his shift, according to the sheriff’s office report.
When deputies arrived at the residence, a roommate said Decotis was inside sleeping. Deputies went inside and spoke with Decotis, who had locked himself in the bedroom. Decotis was apprehended when he emerged from the room, the report said.
As he was being walked to the patrol car, Decotis asked for a cigarette and became angry when the answer was no. Decotis pushed against the deputies all the way back to the vehicle, and once at the car, he pulled away and started yelling in their faces. He refused to get into the vehicle and tensed up, pinning himself between the door and the car while he fought deputies, according to the report.
Decotis was directed to the ground and placed in a four-point restraint before being taken to the Lake County Jail. He’s being held on $3,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Lake County Court on May 24.
