INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A 23-year-old is behind bars after he repeatedly bit a deputy’s arm during an arrest and then threatened to kill other deputies and their families, authorities said.
Edward Lejon Thompson
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Deputies arrested Edward Lejon Thompson, who was described as homeless, on a variety of charges including three counts of battery of an officer, two counts of corruption by threat and three counts of depriving an officer of means of communication. Thompson was held Thursday at the Indian River County Jail on $45,000 bond.
Indian River County deputies pulled over a Chevrolet vehicle about 8 p.m. Tuesday near 45th Street and U.S. 1. Deputies smelled an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and ordered the driver, Thompson, to step out.
Thompson initially refused to get out of the vehicle, but then complied. Three deputies were trying to detain Thompson when he pulled away several times.
Deputies said Thompson then bit down twice on one of the deputy’s arms. Thompson knocked off all of the deputies’ radios from their uniforms as they attempted to detain him, reports show.
Deputies forced Thompson to the ground. Thompson was eventually placed in handcuffs.
Thompson was taken to Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital to be checked for any diseases as a precaution, since he bit one of the deputies, reports show. During the ride, Thompson told deputies he was going to kill them and their families, authorities said.
Deputies took Thompson to the county jail. Thompson has an arraignment at 8:45 a.m. June 7, court records show.