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June 03, 2011
Florida - A Seminole County man is facing several felony
charges after a struggle with a female undercover FWC officer
patrolling Mullet Lake Park over the Memorial Day holiday,
watching for violations of fish and wildlife laws. The officer,
who identified herself as such before the altercation, suffered a
small laceration and minor puncture wounds to her hand and
fingers. She was treated and released from a local hospital.
Michael G. Simmons (DOB 07/11/79) of Oviedo is charged with
aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an
officer with violence and battery on an officer. He is also facing
boating under the influence (BUI) and driving under the influence
(DUI) charges and misdemeanor charges as result of the incident.
Simmons is being held at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility on
nearly $8,000 bond.
"Our primary concern is with the health and safety of our
officers, and we are fortunate the officer was not seriously
hurt," said Lt. Jeff Hudson. "This incident occurred during one of
the busiest boating weekends of the year, during which several
people were arrested for BUI and DUI, and numerous boating safety
citations and warnings were issued."
The incident occurred several hours after Simmons received a minor
boating citation. He returned to the boat ramp and approached the
undercover officer, saying he was going to cut the tires of a
marked FWC patrol truck parked at the boat ramp. Simmons then
punctured one of the truck's tires.
Upon seeing this, the undercover officer displayed her badge,
identifying herself as an FWC officer. Simmons ran for his truck,
jumped in and closed the door. The officer reached into the truck
and grabbed the keys, in an attempt to stop Simmons from starting
the vehicle. After a struggle in which Simmons was ultimately able
to start the ignition, the officer tried to shut the truck off.
Simmons then began stabbing and slashing at the officer's left
hand.
Other FWC officers and a Seminole County deputy responded, subdued
Simmons with pepper spray and removed him from his truck. The
officers later recovered a small knife on the floor of Simmons'
truck, under the steering wheel.
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