FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A Palm Coast man was arrested Tuesday evening after deputies say he became combative and physically resisted arrest during a DUI investigation, injuring multiple law enforcement officers.
According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called shortly after 7 p.m. to assist the Bunnell Police Department in the area of East Moody Boulevard and North Palmetto Street following a traffic stop for an illegal U-turn.
Investigators identified the driver as Richard Lakin, 56, of Palm Coast. Deputies said Lakin admitted he had just left a bar where he drank four beers. Officers noted slurred speech, bloodshot and glossy eyes, the odor of alcohol, and an argumentative demeanor. Lakin was asked to perform field sobriety exercises.
During the first exercise, deputies said Lakin became angry and argumentative, then walked away toward a patrol car. When questioned, Lakin reportedly said, “I’m going to jail” and “You all got me.” Officers advised him that refusing to complete the exercises would result in arrest.
Deputies said Lakin became increasingly agitated during the arrest, resisted officers, and was taken to the ground before being handcuffed. While on the ground, he continued to resist and flailed his legs, striking a deputy and causing a minor abrasion. Deputies said Lakin continued yelling and berating officers while being escorted to the patrol car.
The Bunnell police officer and two sheriff’s deputies involved suffered minor injuries, including abrasions and cuts, and were evaluated on scene by Flagler County Fire Rescue paramedics. Lakin refused medical treatment and continued yelling, striking his head against the partition inside the patrol vehicle, according to deputies.
During an inventory search of Lakin’s vehicle, deputies located a half-full Coors Banquet beer on the rear passenger-side floorboard.
Authorities said Lakin has prior arrests, including a 2021 case involving battery and obstruction without violence after an incident at a bar, as well as previous charges in Duval County and out-of-state arrests in Maryland.
“This aggressive drunk has a history of fighting, battery and obstruction of law enforcement,” said Rick Staly. “If you resist arrest and batter a deputy or police officer, you will always end up at the Green Roof Inn.”
Lakin was charged with DUI, resisting with violence, three counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, and refusal to submit to a breath test. He was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and later released on a $14,000 bond.
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