Man jumps off patrol boat while handcuffed, arrested on BUI charges

FWC officer pepper sprayed suspect before taking him into custody

MARATHON COUNTY, Fla. – A man has been arrested on suspicion of boating under the influence after a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer said he failed several sobriety tests and then became increasingly belligerent.

Officer Christopher Mattson said he was completing a boating safety inspection when he noticed the suspect, Christopher Crowley, had bloodshot eyes and was slurring his speech.

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Mattson placed Crowley in handcuffs after he failed the sobriety tests, and that's when he says Crowley began threatening to head butt him if he came any closer to him.

Mattson called for backup, and when the other officer arrived he says Crowley jumped into the water, while still handcuffed.

The second officer jumped in the water with Crowley and says he was forced to pepper spray him before Crowley finally stopped resisting arrest.

Crowley was taken to the Plantation Key jail. He was charged with two counts of BUI, resisting arrest without violence and felony escape.


About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.