VERO BEACH — A homeless man is being held in lieu of $10,000 bond after allegedly instigating a physical fight with a bank manager and engaging in a violent altercation with a police officer, according to authorities.
Edward Juad Arida, 54, listed as homeless in Vero Beach, caused a disturbance at TD Bank located in the 1200 block of US 1 on Friday morning, according to the official arrest report.
The bank manager reportedly escorted Arida out of the building due to his loud, disruptive behavior. Arida became angry and grabbed the manager by the arm, pulling her toward bushes outside of the building.
Police made contact with the bank manager after he fled on foot northbound on US 1, according to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office. Arida began struggling with an officer when he was told he was under arrest for battery.
Arida and the officer struggled between a parking lot and US 1 as Arida continually attempted to push the officer into traffic, according to the report. During the altercation, Arida attempted to restrain the officer’s hands, restricting him from the use of his radio or other tools on his belt.
The officer was eventually able to call for help by activating the emergency button on his handheld radio and successfully placed Arida under arrest once backup arrived, according to authorities.
Arida now faces felony charges of resisting arrest with violence and depriving an officer of means of communication, and misdemeanor charges of trespassing and battery.
