STUART, Fla. (CBS12) — A 25-year-old man is facing charges after deputies say he threatened people with a golf club at Sailfish Sands Golf Course and later challenged law enforcement to try to arrest him.
According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, staff at the golf course called authorities on June 10 after reporting that Augustin Esquivar Saah was initially swinging a golf club and threatening individuals on the property. By the time deputies arrived, officials said Saah had a stick and continued acting aggressively, prompting a response from Road Patrol deputies.
Once deputies made contact, the situation, captured on body-worn camera, quickly escalated as Saah refused repeated commands to disarm.
According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, staff at the golf course called authorities on June 10 after reporting that Augustin Esquivar Saah was initially swinging a golf club and threatening individuals on the property. By the time deputies arrived, officials said Saah had a stick and continued acting aggressively, prompting a response from Road Patrol deputies. (MCSO)
A deputy told him:
“Hey, put the stick down for me.”
“No,” Saah replied.
As deputies continued trying to de-escalate the situation, Saah made a bold claim about the property.
“You’re not allowed to be here. I own this golf course,” he said.
Deputies continued issuing commands and warnings, but Saah remained noncompliant. At one point, he escalated his response, telling deputies:
Get the f*** away from me.”
Authorities said Saah also issued a direct challenge during the encounter, telling deputies, “Somebody try to get me.”
Deputies then issued a final warning before moving in.
“Put the stick down. Five, four, three, two, one,” a deputy can be heard saying.
Moments later, deputies physically intervened to take Saah into custody. During the struggle, deputies can be heard shouting, “Hey, stop it. Stop!” as they worked to restrain him.
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Saah was ultimately subdued and arrested without any reported injuries to deputies or bystanders.
He now faces a charge of disorderly conduct and resisting an officer without violence.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office said the incident began with a call from concerned staff and highlighted how quickly situations can escalate, noting deputies are trained to respond swiftly to protect the public.
Sheriff John Budensiek one of those deputies was still in training, highlighting how quickly they have to adapt to all situations.
“Even though he’s a newer deputy, he’s no pilgrim when you get him out there, and it goes back to our bad guy that was arrested. What bad guy, thinking clearly, is going to take on a guy that’s twice his size?” said Budensiek.
The employee who called 911 told CBS12 News he acted out of instinct.
“Being a parent, grandparent, I was just trying to be proactive as far as making sure everyone around me is safe, and that’s just nature,” said Robert Gainey, the employee who called 911.