A Fort Walton Beach man has been released on bond after he was arrested Dec. 12 for resisting Walton County sheriff’s deputies during and after a traffic stop, according to his arrest report.
A deputy tried to pull over a 2004 Toyota Corolla on Interstate 10 just east of Mossy Head about 4 p.m. after discovering the car’s owner, 28-year-old Joseph William Burke had a suspended license. The deputy pulled alongside the car and identified Burke as the driver. He then activated the lights of his marked car and fell in behind Burke.
About three miles farther east, Burke slammed his brakes, causing the deputy to swerve to keep from crashing, according to the arrest report. Burke then drove off westbound on I-10 with the deputy in pursuit. Burke finally pulled over near Mossy Head.
He then pushed and tried to punch deputies who arrived at the scene, according to his arrest report.
Burke was charged with fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer with lights and siren active; driving with a suspended license, first offense; aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without the intention to kill; and resisting officers with violence.
He was placed in the county jail on $200,000 bond. He was released on Dec. 13.