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, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Read more at BocaVibe.com.

Deputies Detain Man for Interfering with DUI Investigation

The incident occurred when deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office were conducting a traffic stop on a vehicle suspected of being involved in a DUI. When they approached the vehicle, the driver, Angel Benitez, allegedly became belligerent and claimed to be a firefighter.

• Benitez was reportedly wearing a fake fire department uniform and ID badge when he attempted to intimidate the deputies.
• The deputies were not fooled by Benitez’s claim and instead called for backup before detaining him.

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

Fire Department Denies Knowledge of Benitez’s Claim

The Boca Raton Fire Department has denied any knowledge of Angel Benitez’s claim that he was a firefighter. “We have no record of Mr. Benitez ever working for our department,” said a spokesperson for the fire department.

• Benitez’s fake ID badge and uniform were reportedly purchased from an online retailer.
• The deputies who arrested him stated that they found no evidence to support Benitez’s claim of being a firefighter.

Benitez’s arrest serves as a reminder to the public to be honest with law enforcement, even in situations where it may seem intimidating or uncomfortable. “We will not tolerate attempts to deceive or intimidate our deputies,” said a spokesperson for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

Official city info: City of Boca Raton.

Source: Original Report