Cantonment Man Charged With Battery On Deputy, Stealing Services For Cat
June 6, 2016
A Cantonment man was charged with battery on a Sheriff’s deputy for striking him with a door as deputies tried to arrest him on an outstanding warrant.
Four deputies attempted to serve the warrant on 41-year old Jason Carmine Colacci at his home on Well Line Road after seeing him standing on the porch of the home. Deputies reported knocking on the door, the back door and a side window, announcing that they were law enforcement and had warrant. They also used the load speaker on a patrol vehicle to announce their presence. For about 20 minutes, they could hear voices inside the home as they continued their efforts to get Colacci to exit.
As a deputy knocked on the front door of the home again, the door opened, and they could see Colacci inside the residence. He then rushed toward the door, pushing it closed on and trapping a deputy’s foot. Additional deputies were able to force the door open and free the first deputy’s foot, according to an arrest report. After a struggle inside the residence, Colacci was taken into custody.
Colacci was charged with felony battery on a officer and felony resisting arrest with violence.
He was also arrested on the outstanding warrant for second degree petit theft for allegedly failing to pay $76.30 for veterinary services performed on his cat at a Nine Mile Road clinic. After the clinic performed services on the cat, Colacci allegedly took the cat out to his vehicle and fled without paying. The business has a policy of collecting payment when services are rendered.
Colacci was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $5,000 bond.
Comments
41 Responses to “Cantonment Man Charged With Battery On Deputy, Stealing Services For Cat”
REGARDING:
“I never bash cops, not even when I bash cops!”
Nope, not even then.
Methinks part of the problem is that some think you are bashing all cops whenever you notice any slightest possibility that anyone who is a law enforcement officer might have done something illegal or even downright stupid.
I, on the other hand, believe that thinking all are like the ones mentioned would be a true insult to decent people.
Some judges accept bribes; not all judges are corrupt.
Some doctors are incompetent, not all doctors are incompetent.
Some women are bad cooks; not all women are bad cooks.
If I had never seen evidence that some law enforcement officers were bald-faced liars, I would assume none of them ever are.
Even as it is, I assume most aren’t dishonest and would certainly like the video evidence to show their honesty whenever some other Doubting Thomas questions it..
I don’t forget that one Flomaton policeman some years back bragged about pulling the VHS tape from his car and burning it on the barbecue to destroy the evidence of what he had actually done.
He figured the destruction of evidence carried a lesser penalty than what would have happened if the truth were seen.
Those who are afraid of the truth are the ones who bash cops.
David for honesty,
wishing we didn’t fear it
This guy was trying to take care of his pet,he should get a pass on this
At the end of the day, he must give an account, doesn’t matter if the thief stole $5.00 or $5000.00 any sin cannot go unpunished. It almost sounds like many don’t think it is worth spending the resources for such a small theft, (BUT IF IT WERE YOUR MONEY YOU WOULDN’T FEEL THAT WAY) In THE END when we all face GOD in judgement, the opposite will take place, one will face a very harsh punishment for a seemingly small crime, then all of your excuses will not save you they, will indeed condemn you.
“I never bash cops, not even when they go in through the window to shoot the family dog or try to shoot through the hostage or …
They protect us from the bad guys until they decide we’re the bad guys.”
I never bash cops, not even when I bash cops!
And since so many commented that this should be a civil matter instead of a legal matter, you will all be suing shoplifters and thieves instead of calling the police from now on, yes?
@Speak up
Actually I would. Compared to what it is now anyway. Put it like this, I have NEVER called the cops unless I needed a report for the insurance company.
Back in 2003, in Northeast Pensacola, a couple dopeheads were stalking elderly people, following them home, and robbing them.
Did it to my mother one evening (very nice neighborhoods) while I just happened to be in the den. All I can say is that they were chased down, ran off the road and dealt with by me, then the law got their shot.
This new world has folks sissified. The day when the gas n grocery trucks stop coming will be the end for many. Me, I’m gonna live good.
The vet could have given him meds for his cat that he was supposed to pay for but just walked out with. That would definitely constitute petty theft. The possibility that the police went a home that they did not have a search warrant for without permission from the home owner while NOT in pursuit of an armed criminal is more frightening then anything else about this story. David is not bashing cops he is pointing out everything you guys should be concerned with. It is all okay as long as it is not your civil rights being stomped on correct? @ Patriot sir/madam I for one will be very happy the day they decide the job is not worth it. That means we get to go back to an old west style law an order yes I like that very much please and thank you! Might not be for everyone though just sayin.
All these comments scare me. Do you guys really want to live in a society where there are no police. Come on! And as far as the vet clinic is concerned, they don’t work for free. If he couldn’t pay to take care of his cat, he don’t need to have one. These doctors go to school for years and are like any other Doctor. If you can’t pay, don’t go!
Just maybe……………………………….
There are literally thousands of outstanding warrants in Escambia on any day of the year. The warrant for and known address for Colacci has likely been known by the routine patrol deputy that spotted him on the porch for weeks or months.
Being such a low priority “collar” the law did not bother waist manhours to go looking for him.
They just waited until he was spotted while on routine patrol.
Even in his mugshot, he does not appear to be of slight build.
So the spotting deputy called in reinforcements before attempting to make the arrest.
I will say proper police work all around.
And y’all wonder why we can’t fill the vacant deputy positions.
A dozen internet lawyers, all spouting off about unpaid bills and partial case law, and apparently doubting that someone opened the door in the first place. And then “Sheesh” aptly points out that he WASN’T the most dangerous fugitive in the county at the time, so apparently it was a waste of resources to even respond to the warrant service to begin with.
Sound like a fun career, at what, $16 bucks an hour?
Hopefully I’m not alive to see the day they all decide that the job ain’t worth it anymore.
Many of you seem to hate our police officers. I support them.
Good job, keep up the good work. Arrest all of the thieves and keep uB-)s safe.
REGARDING:
“David, I disagree. Sounds like you’re bashing cops again.”
You disagree either could have happened?
I never bash cops, not even when they go in through the window to shoot the family dog or try to shoot through the hostage or …
They protect us from the bad guys until they decide we’re the bad guys.
Still, the body cam recording of the incident would be interesting to watch.
David for verification
Case law, I went to the link you posted. In the upper right hand corner is “View Entire Chapter”. I clicked on it and found a complete list of offences including theft of Professional services. He had an arrest warrant, which means the LEO should go arrest him. Good job Deputies.
“Case law”… According to our clerk of the court filing, he is cited as violating 812.014(3a)…..having to do with the use of his car regarding this offense ..not 812.14(3a)….having to do with an offense involving utility services. In addition, can you interpret the charge of “GT from person 65+ YOA”, sited under FSS 812.014 (2) (C)?…..Mr. Colacci apparently had some issues with that statue in the past as well.
@ LEO Wife
I COMPLETELY agree. Better to be safe than sorry, I definitely want my son to have someone watching his back. Look at what happened to Bill Myers, Bless his soul.
“Teacher”, I can read just fine. If Colacci didn’t open the door and invite them in, then it is a forced entry. Here’s some homework for you. According to the clerk of the court’s website, Colacci was charged with violation of FSS 812.14(3A). Now use your Google apps and surf the web where you can read the law here: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0800-0899/0812/Sections/0812.14.html
I don’t know how one stretches a veterinary bill into a utility service. Looks like it is time for a good attorney.
The police knocked on the door and it magically opened…sure.
Say what you may this guy had some reason for not making himself available to talk or at least find out what was going on . Esco don’t just show up they have a job to do . Don’t Kidd your self he has either been in trouble before or just plum stupid to resist police officers even more stupid to think he is going to win in this situation now put two and two together it’s still four dummy
Also no matter how many officers it takes use them if that’s what it takes to stop stupid people like this
Ok, first off:
Most unpaid bills are civil, not criminal matters. One can be arrested for certain civil infractions, like failure to comply with a court ordered repossession of a vehicle for example. Laws are based on the state, and not knowing the law can really cost a person in more ways than one.
It sounds to me like that he left the vet in a hurry and failed to pay for a service; which I think could be construed as petty theft. Since the vet sells service, and he basically stole that service…hence the petty theft charge.
Like others have said in this thread, I imagine there is more to it. I don’t think the deputies would have spent much time and effort on this guy for only a $76 vet bill. There has to be more involved.
READING COMPREHENSION people — he did not fail to pay a bill, it does not say that in the story at all. He failed to pay at the time services were rendered. Just like walking out of a restaurant and not paying the check….it’s theft.
And “Case Law”, again, reading comprehension. They waited 20 minutes. The door opened when they knocked again. That was not forcibly entering a a residence.
Florida Law Enforcement Handbook: “Generally, Florida case law prohibits an officer from forcibly entering a private residence to effect an arrest for a misdemeanor, even if the crime is committed in the officer’s presence. Ortiz v. State, 600 So. 2d 530 (Fla. 3d DCA 1992).”
Says he was “also arrested for”… the outstanding warrant concerning the vet bill. Apparently there was more than 1 warrant.
Overkill sending four deputies?? So is shooting and killing an officer, which happens all over the nation way too often. It take more than one to execute a warrant. Doesn’t matter what it’s for, their job is to apprehend the suspect and sometimes, as you may expect, not everyone is cooperative! I’d rather my husband have backup JUST in case instead of being shot at over something stupid, because yes, it does happen! Policies are in place for a reason.
Until you put on a uniform or better yet, do a ride along, you’ll never understand what these men and women face daily for the sake of protecting you, even the ones who have nothing positive to say about them.
WOW! Talk about over-zealous policing! All this over a $76.30; I spent more than that on lunch yesterday. I seriously doubt that this is the most dangerous fugitive in Escambia County. Resources could have certainly used for more important problems.
I would pay the vet bill just because he cared about his cat.
Even though I believe people should pay their debts it seems like to me if this guy owed the vet clinic and didn’t pay that would be a civil issue not criminal also this is why we need a new sheriff four deputies for a cat bill. How many drug deals and meth labs did they drive by to arrest this guy for a unpaid cat bill unbelievable
Oh no… I am a week late paying my water bill…Oh God…I hear the ECSD swat team at my door……..
You don’t and cant get a warrant for failing to pay a vet bill…
And if the judge signed a warrant for such – is to be in question of what state statutes was followed in signing that warrant
There is more to this story that’s not being told
I guess the judge is working for the credit collections now…as I said this is only part of the story and seems to be a ruse to get into another investigation
Sloppy work I am afraid
And that cat just watched it all happen That’s why I have a dog..
Sounds like someone else had opened the door for the deputies. There were voices inside so there had to be someone else besides him. Instead of fighting the deputies why didn’t he just go quietly with them? And why didn’t he just pay the vet bill to begin with?
Oh and being late with the power bill isn’t the same thing. The power company can turn off your power until you pay. The Vet can not take back his/her services if you don’t pay.
Hey gang, an arrest warrant is just that. It is an order to take someone into custody. Failure to comply is considered resisting arrest. Failure to comply by fighting with the LEO is considered resisting arrest with violence. This guy knew who was at his home and why. Jail time seems in order for this fine citizen. Should have just paid the bill.
@ Robert
Overkill? Apparently it wasn’t since it took so many to get him.
@ oversight
Police can come into your house to arrest you with a warrant even if it is a misdemeanor.
David for bashing our law enforcement, again.
Robert brought up an interesting point. Is it mandatory that people request in advance that their utilities are turned off if they do not have the money to pay for them when the bill comes in? Medical bills for humans with astronomical high fees for services and medications are another valid concern . What is the alternative if you don’t have the money to pay and don’t want to go to jail?
This comment is not bashing the deputies for doing their job nor is it any bad reflection on the Nine Mile Vet clinic. (they truly care for animals and are the most concerned facility in Pensacola). David Huie Green what can you do with a sick animal that is suffering and you don’t have a lot of money? You cannot shoot it or you will be charged with animal cruelty.
The warrant was for the vet bill? That ALL? There must be more to the story. Since when are people arrested for unpaid bills? Lets see some follow-up please. Something smells fishy to me.
Also, if the police knock, open the door. Fight it out in court. Don’t be stupid, you look bad if you try to hide.
Sometimes what may appear to be a ‘normal’, ‘routine’, police action that’s done hundredes of times without incident—only takes one time to go sideways in a hurry and fortunately this didn’t escalate further. It is amazing but not surprising the number of experts that are able to second guess every action of law enforcement in what they should or shouldn’t do. The individual made the decision to ignore the warrant, ignore law enforcement and attempt to make the situation worse than what it needed to be. The deputies had to react to the actions of this individual and thankfully they completed their lawful duties without serious injuries. Instead of blaming those for doing their job how about the blame be placed where it should be—the individual that could have taken care of the warrant without law enforcement having to come to his residence but that would be logical.
First I’ve heard of a warrant being issued for not paying a bill. The jail should be overfilling.
I agree with Robert on this one, since when did the deputies start serving warrants for unpaid bills? Must be a court order involved somewhere! At least he did take his cat to begin with, a lot of people don’t bother, just let animals suffer!
Misdemeanor arrest warrant, suspect in his own home, and forced way in? Sounds like trouble for the felony battery charge.
Seems like overkill sending 4 deputies to arrest someone for a $76 vet bill. Not very smart policing in my opinion. Kind of like getting arrested for being late on your power bill. Just saying.
David, I disagree. Sounds like your bashing cops again. If they saw him on the porch then they had a duty to take him into custody. I’m sure they knocked loudly and the article said they used a loud speaker. It was their job. We should support our local law enforcement.
The door just opened when gently knocked on
Either that or someone opened a man’s door without his permission,
he tried to shut it,
they shoved their foot in the space to stop him from shutting it,
then they accused him of battery for trying to close his own door.
David for avoiding such situations,
don’t take your animals to the vet unless you can pay