Florence vehicle theft suspect punches police chief during arrest, faces more charges
FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) – Florence Police say a 42-year-old man wanted for vehicle theft is facing additional charges after he punched Police Chief Ron Tyler in the department lobby.
Justin Heath Terry of Florence was charged with third-degree robbery, first-degree theft of property, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and third-degree criminal mischief.
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According to a post on the Florence Police Department’s (FPD) social media, Terry was found in a reported stolen vehicle near the police department.
An officer was attempting to arrest Terry in the parking lot when Chief Terry heard a commotion and rushed over to assist, the post says. Terry ‘made a run for it’ and went into the lobby of the department in an apparent attempt to evade arrest.
Once confronted inside the lobby, FPD said Terry punched Chief Tyler and a struggle ensued as Chief Tyler and the officer took Terry into custody.
“I never liked being punched in the face when I was younger. I was quickly reminded again of why I was never too fond of it… I was literally emailing HR earlier today with some preliminary retirement questions. I never imagined I would wind up in a fistfight before the day was out,” Tyler stated after the incident.
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No one was injured and no medical treatment was required, but there was a hole put in the drywall of the department’s newly renovated headquarters building during the course of the arrest.
“Aside from my sport coat and dress shirt getting a little bloody, none of us are too worse for the wear,” Tyler added.
The department said that Terry’s resistance to arrest resulted in three charges – disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and criminal mischief – in addition to the robbery and theft charges.
This is the second time Florence Police say Chief Tyler has taken part in an arrest in recent years. Police say Tyler confronted an armed Kelvin Parks, who was wanted for questioning in connection to a homicide on Plum Street, in a wooded area.
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After several hours of negotiations, FPD said Parks engaged in a gun battle with officers which resulted in Parks death.
“While my title may be Chief of Police, above all else, I am a police officer,” Tyler said. “When I see a fellow officer needing help, rest assured, they can count on me jumping in to assist no matter the circumstances.”
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