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Man Claims To Be Firefighter To Avoid Arrest, Fails

Boca Vibe
April 15, 2026

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 drunk driving.
  • When deputies approached his vehicle, Benitez allegedly claimed to be a firefighter with the Boca Raton Fire Department and attempted to avoid arrest.

Boca Raton is a coastal city in Palm Beach County, Florida, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant downtown area. The city has a population of around 90,000 people and is a popular tourist destination due to its mild climate and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Firefighter in full gear handling water hose during emergency response training outdoors. | BocaVibe
Man Claims To Be Firefighter To Avoid Arrest, Fails 3

  • Benitez’s claim of being a firefighter was reportedly met with skepticism by the deputies, who are trained to recognize the uniforms and equipment used by firefighters in Boca Raton.
  • Despite his attempt to pass himself off as a firefighter, Benitez was still detained and taken into custody for further investigation.

The arrest highlights the importance of honesty and cooperation with law enforcement during traffic stops. It also serves as a reminder that making false claims can have serious consequences.

  • Benitez is currently being held at the Palm Beach County Jail on charges of resisting arrest, obstructing an officer, and providing false information to law enforcement.
  • He is expected to appear in court later this month to face the charges against him.

The Boca Raton Fire Department has released a statement confirming that Angel Benitez is not a member of their department and has been banned from visiting any fire station or facility in the city.

  • Benitez’s arrest has sparked concerns about public safety in Boca Raton, with some residents expressing relief that the incident was resolved without further harm.
  • The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and cooperation with law enforcement during traffic stops. It also highlights the need for vigilance in our communities to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Official city info: City of Boca Raton.

Source: Original Report