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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, Deputies Were Called To The Scene

Deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene of a reported DUI incident at approximately 11:45 PM. Upon arrival, they met with the driver, who was allegedly intoxicated and operating his vehicle erratically.

Benitez’s False Claims Were Exposed

When deputies attempted to detain Benitez, he claimed to be a firefighter in order to avoid arrest. However, his false claims were quickly exposed when deputies discovered that he did not have the proper identification or credentials to support his claim.

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

Charges Filed Against Benitez
  • Interfering with an officer: Benitez was charged with interfering with a law enforcement officer, which is a felony offense in Florida.
  • Lying to a police officer: Benitez was also charged with lying to a police officer, which is a misdemeanor offense.
Benitez’s Arrest Was A Wake-Up Call For Him

According to authorities, Benitez’s arrest was a wake-up call for him. He has been released on bond and is scheduled to appear in court on May 1.

Community Reacts To The Incident
  • Many residents expressed shock and disappointment at Benitez’s actions, stating that he had no right to impersonate a firefighter.
  • Some community members also praised the deputies for their professionalism and bravery in handling the situation.
Fire Department Speaks Out

The Boca Raton Fire Department released a statement condemning Benitez’s actions, stating that “impersonating a firefighter is a serious offense that can put lives at risk.” They also praised the deputies for their efforts in detaining Benitez and bringing him to justice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Angel Benitez’s attempt to impersonate a firefighter was foiled when his false claims were exposed by law enforcement. His arrest serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity, especially when interacting with authorities.

Official city info: City of Boca Raton.

Source: Original Report