STUART, Fla. (CBS12) — The Martin County Sheriff’s Office has identified the deputy seen tackling a suspect during a confrontation at Sailfish Sands Golf Course that led to an arrest earlier this week.
The agency on Friday identified the deputy as Kaleb Prejean, one of the sheriff’s office’s newest hires.
Prejean was among the deputies who responded on June 10 after golf course staff reported that 25-year-old Augustin Esquivar Saah was threatening people on the property, according to the sheriff’s office.
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CBS12 previously reported that deputies said Saah initially was seen swinging a golf club and later armed himself with a stick while acting aggressively. Body-worn camera video showed Saah refusing repeated commands to drop the stick and claiming he owned the golf course.
When Saah failed to comply with deputies’ commands, law enforcement moved in to take him into custody. During the encounter, Prejean chased Saah on foot and tackled him, helping deputies bring the situation under control.
In a social media post on Facebook, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office highlighted Prejean’s athletic background, noting that he played college football. The agency joked that the deputy’s speed was impressive enough that “the Miami Dolphins can’t have him.”
Sheriff John Budensiek previously told CBS12 that Prejean was still in training at the time of the incident but responded effectively during the fast-moving situation.
“Even though he’s a newer deputy, he’s no pilgrim when you get him out there,” Budensiek said.
Saah was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting an officer without violence. No injuries to deputies or bystanders were reported.
The investigation remains ongoing.