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. Read more at BocaVibe.com.

• Angel Benitez, 32, of West Palm Beach, was taken into custody just after midnight on April 12 at the intersection of Federal Highway and Palmetto Park Road in Boca Raton.
• The incident occurred when Deputy Michael Smith attempted to stop Benitez’s vehicle for suspicion of driving under the influence.

According to authorities, Benitez became belligerent and refused to cooperate with Deputy Smith, claiming he was a firefighter with the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue department.

• Benitez allegedly stated that he had been called to an emergency scene and did not have time to stop for the traffic stop.
• Deputy Smith attempted to explain that this was not an emergency situation, but Benitez continued to insist on his false identity.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office stated that Benitez’s actions were a clear attempt to avoid arrest and evade law enforcement.

• Benitez was subsequently arrested and charged with resisting arrest, obstructing an officer, and providing false information to law enforcement.
• He is currently being held at the Palm Beach County Jail on $2,500 bond.

The incident serves as a reminder for drivers to always cooperate with law enforcement and provide accurate information during traffic stops.

• Residents are advised to be cautious of individuals attempting to deceive law enforcement and report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.
• The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information about this incident to contact them at (561) 434-7000 or [www.pbcso.org](http://www.pbcso.org).

Official city info: City of Boca Raton.

Source: Original Report