Century Man Tased By Deputies Convicted Of Resisting Arrest, Battery

April 23, 2014

A Century man tased by Escambia County deputies late last year has been convicted on charges of battery and resisting arrest without violence.

Emanuel Rabun Bethea, 28, was sentenced by Judge Terry Terrell to one year probation. He was also ordered to complete counseling and stay away from controlled substances without a prescription, including “spice” or bath salts.

According to an arrest report, an Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy in a marked patrol vehicle was first to arrive after a disturbance call in the 7500 block of Jack Smith Road in November 23. He watched as someone attempted to flee as he approached, spinning tires in a circular driveway, accelerating and running over a tree stump. Bethea exited the vehicle and ran, fell in the gravel driveway, got up and ran again despite multiple verbal commands from the deputy to stop. When Bethea fell again, he was tackled by the deputy.

According to an arrest report, Bethea refused to place his hands behind his back as ordered, instead he tried to reach his pocket multiple times. The deputy, not knowing what Bethea was  trying to retrieve from his pocket, ordered him to stop or be tased. He refused to comply  and was tased once before the deputy managed to handcuff one hand. Bethea continued to resist and another deputy arrived on scene and assisted in handcuffing him, according to the report.

During the struggle, Bethea reported told the deputy “just shoot me” multiple times. After Bethea was taken into custody, a folding pocket knife was located next to his leg. Bethea continued to fight deputies as he was placed in a patrol vehicle, the report states.

The female victim told deputies that she and Bethea live together at the Jack Smith Road address and that they have a child together. She said Bethea refused to allow her to leave the residence, grabbed her and took her cell phone while he prevented her from using the couple’s only vehicle.

A charge of kidnapping against Bethea was dropped, according to court records.

Bethea was transported by Escambia County EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital before being booked into the Escambia County Jail.  The arresting deputy noted that Bethea was cooperative, polite and apologetic at the hospital.

Comments

One Response to “Century Man Tased By Deputies Convicted Of Resisting Arrest, Battery”

  1. Wareagle007 on April 23rd, 2014 6:49 am

    Praying for this young man and his family.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News