INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A 36-year-old man who fought a deputy before grabbing at the officer’s weapon, was detained last week.
Christopher Devon Harris (PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE)
Deputies said Christopher Devon Harris was driving recklessly on a yellow moped before fleeing officers before the fight. Harris told deputies he ran because “he did not want to have his scooter towed,” reports show.
Deputies arrested Harris, of the 4700 block of 33rd Avenue, on charges of resisting arrest with violence, fleeing and eluding a police officer, driving with a suspended license, failure to register motor vehicle and reckless driving. Harris was released Thursday from the Indian River County Jail on $8,500 bond.
An Indian River County deputy saw Harris driving the moped about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 4200 block of 26th Avenue. Deputies said Harris swerved from oncoming traffic back into his travel lane.
Harris ran several stop signs, reports show. Deputies tried to initiate a traffic stop on the scooter – with no license plate – on 28th Court.
Deputies said Harris continued driving and traveled on a dirt road near a set of houses. Harris crashed the scooter, got up and tried to run away, reports show.
The deputy chased Harris and tackled him to the ground. Harris struck the deputy in the face and upper chest area with his elbows, reports show.
Harris grabbed onto the deputy’s duty belt and pulled at the officer’s weapon, officials said. Harris snatched a pistol magazine from the duty belt, reports show.
The deputy then deployed his K-9 partner, Bane, to detain Harris. When a backup deputy arrived, officers were able to take Harris in to custody.
Deputies arrested Harris and took him to the county jail. Harris has an arraignment at 8:45 a.m. June 5, court records show.