BUNNELL, FL – Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) deputies made 23 arrests this past weekend between 6 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2024, and 6 a.m. on Monday, March 4, 2024. They handled 687 calls for service and made 148 traffic stops.
“This past weekend, our deputies once again responded together with our partners in the Bunnell Police Department, this time to restore order during a large disturbance,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “When citizens attempt to interfere with an investigation or law enforcement presence, it puts everyone in danger. Fortunately, our men and women are well trained to quickly diffused this situation.”
Multiple Arrests in Bunnell Following Large Street Disturbance
On Saturday, March 2 just after midnight, deputies responded to assist Bunnell Police Department on South Anderson Street. Bunnell Police were dispatched to a verbal disturbance involving a large group of people. Upon BPD making an arrest, a large disturbance in the neighborhood broke out. When FCSO arrived on scene and attempted to assist, they observed 50 to 60 people in the area, becoming physically aggressive with each other and law enforcement officers on the scene.
During this incident, one deputy was pushed, and another was punched, but neither sustained serious injuries.
A black female later identified as Andrea Armster, 41 of Bunnell was yelling at deputies and interfering with an arrest before she pushed one of the deputies. She was warned multiple times to step away from the scene, but refused all lawful orders and when deputies began arresting another individual, she approached again and continued yelling at deputies. Deputies observed a strong smell of alcohol coming from her breath and other signs of intoxication.
Armster was arrested for Battery on Law Enforcement Officer, Disorderly Conduct, and Disorderly Intoxication. Armster’s criminal history includes 16 felonies and 16 misdemeanor arrests. The prior arrests included aggravated battery, battery, child neglect, DUI, aggravated assault, and other narcotic-related charges.
A total of six arrests were made, four by the Bunnell Police Department and two by FCSO. Five were arrested for resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, with one arrested for battery on a Law Enforcement Officer. The Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility was notified and provided a jail transport van.
“What should have been a simple investigation into a disturbance turned violent in a matter of minutes. I commend our deputies and Bunnell officers for quickly diffusing the situation before anyone was seriously injured,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “If you batter a Deputy Sheriff, you will be arrested every time.”
For bodycam footage of the incident: https://bit.ly/4bVuOLD
Putnam County Fugitive Captured just inside Flager County
On Sunday, March 3, at approximately 4:34 p.m. Deputy Prevatt observed a vehicle traveling West on State Road 100, with a tag registered to Jarrell Wright, who had a suspended Florida driver’s license and an outstanding warrant for his arrest from Putnam County.
Due to the dark tint on the vehicle’s windows, Deputy Prevatt could not see inside to make a positive identification, so she waited for backup. Once back-up arrived, a traffic stop was conducted in the 16000 block of SR 100 W, near the Putnam County line. The vehicle immediately came to a stop and the driver complied with all orders given through the PA system.
The driver identified himself as Jarrell, the owner of the vehicle. The Sheriff’s Communications Center confirmed that Putnam County had an active warrant for his arrest for violation of probation for battery. He was arrested for this active warrant and was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility where he is currently being held without bond.
“This fugitive thought he was safe just passing through, but our deputies quickly caught up to him and now he’ll face justice,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “If you have an active warrant, and are coming to Flagler County, there’s definitely a vacancy for you at the Green Roof Inn.”
