Man Claims To Be Firefighter To Avoid Arrest, Fails

Man Claims To Be Firefighter To Avoid Arrest, Fails

A West Palm Beach man was arrested early Sunday morning after he allegedly interfered with a DUI investigation and falsely claimed to be a firefighter when deputies tried to detain him. Angel Benitez was taken into custody just after midnight on April 12. Read more at BocaVibe.com.

According to Authorities

• Benitez was pulled over by Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies for suspected impairment while driving on I-95 near the Boca Raton border.
• The deputies observed Benitez swerving and failing to maintain his lane, leading them to conduct a field sobriety test.

False Identity Claim

When the deputies approached Benitez’s vehicle, he allegedly claimed to be a firefighter with the Boca Raton Fire Department. He told the officers that he was on his way to respond to an emergency call and did not want to be detained.

• Benitez provided the deputies with what appeared to be a fake ID card and a uniform, but they were unable to verify his identity or confirm his affiliation with the fire department.
• The deputies became suspicious of Benitez’s claims and decided to conduct further investigation.

Arrest and Charges

Benitez was arrested and charged with providing false information to law enforcement, resisting arrest, and obstructing an officer. He was taken into custody at the Palm Beach County Jail and is currently being held on $5,000 bond.

• Benitez’s case is still under investigation, and he faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of all charges.
• The Boca Raton Fire Department has issued a statement denying Benitez’s affiliation with the department and confirming that he is not a licensed firefighter.

Community Reaction

The community is shocked by Benitez’s actions, with many expressing outrage on social media. “It’s unacceptable to try to deceive law enforcement like this,” said one resident. “We need to hold people accountable for their actions.”

• Local authorities are urging residents to report any suspicious activity and encourage the public to come forward with information about Benitez’s case.
• The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is also reminding drivers of the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of following traffic laws.

Official city info: City of Boca Raton.

Source: Original Report