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.

• Benitez, 32, was stopped by deputies in his vehicle on University Boulevard near Palmetto Park Road after they observed him swerving and speeding.
• The deputies attempted to conduct a field sobriety test, but Benitez allegedly refused, claiming he was a firefighter with the Boca Raton Fire Department.

Benitez told the deputies that his fire department ID was in his vehicle, and that he had been responding to an emergency call when he was stopped. However, when asked for his actual ID, Benitez claimed he couldn’t find it.

• The deputies became suspicious of Benitez’s story and decided to investigate further.
• They discovered that the Boca Raton Fire Department did not have a record of Benitez working as a firefighter.

Benitez was subsequently arrested and charged with resisting arrest, obstructing an officer, 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.

• Benitez’s arrest is a reminder of the importance of honesty when interacting with law enforcement officers.
• The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone who has been stopped by deputies to be truthful and cooperative during the investigation process.

Anyone with information about Benitez’s whereabouts or identity can contact the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office at (561) 433-7000. The incident serves as a warning to those who attempt to deceive law enforcement, and the consequences will be severe.

Official city info: City of Boca Raton.

Source: Original Report