PALM COAST, Fla. — An 18-year-old Palm Coast woman was arrested Saturday evening after authorities say she spit on a Flagler County deputy while being transported for a mental health evaluation.
According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at approximately 7 p.m. on June 6 to a report involving an intoxicated and distressed woman.
Following an investigation, deputies determined that 18-year-old Autumn Bellows met the criteria to be placed into involuntary protective custody and transported to a mental health facility.
While being transported, Bellows allegedly became disruptive in the back seat of the patrol vehicle, kicking and striking her head against the partition. Deputies also reported that Bellows informed the transporting deputy that she had escaped from the handcuffs she had been wearing.
When deputies stopped to resecure Bellows, authorities said she became uncooperative and spit on a deputy, with the saliva striking the deputy’s face and hair.
According to the sheriff’s office, Bellows told deputies during the incident that she wanted to go to jail and wanted to face criminal charges.
Deputies then secured Bellows using handcuffs, a spit mask and additional restraints.
Bellows was arrested on a charge of battery on a law enforcement officer.
After being transported to AdventHealth Palm Coast for medical clearance, Bellows was booked into the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility.
Authorities said she was later released after posting a $2,500 bond.
The case remains under review by prosecutors.