MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A man was arrested on Monday after allegedly threatening deputies with an ax while they responded to his disabled sailboat in the Intracoastal Waterway.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) reported that at approximately 10:47 a.m., deputies from the marine unit were dispatched to Marker 14 following multiple calls from Robert Lane about his boat, which was stuck in the mangroves.
Upon arrival, deputies reported finding Lane’s sailboat grounded on the shoreline.
The probable cause affidavit states that Lane, 35, requested assistance to tow his boat back into the channel. However, deputies explained that towing was not an option because it was not an emergency situation, and advised him to contact a professional towing service such as Sea Tow or Tow Boat.
MCSO said that Lane then made a threatening remark, stating, “I want to hurt you.” He allegedly then grabbed a Milwaukee ax, prompting deputies to draw their handguns and order him to drop the weapon, which he did.
See also: Three arrested after shots fired outside of Port St. Lucie pub
According to the report, deputies attempted to board Lane’s boat to place him under arrest for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. Lane reportedly resisted violently, leading one deputy to employ an ASP strike to subdue him.
Even after being handcuffed, Lane continued to resist and allegedly spat on a deputy, ultimately requiring sedation by fire rescue personnel.
During the arrest, deputies said that Lane mentioned using methamphetamines, and deputies found an almost empty handle of Fireball liquor and several beers on his boat.
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