Flagler County, FL – 48-year-old Mark McKerlie is being held without bond at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility for starting a house fire after a family fight and then attacking a Flagler County Sheriff’s Deputy and a Palm Coast Firefighter who were on the scene.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), Flagler County Fire Rescue and Palm Coast Fire Department responded just before 10 a.m., Thursday to a house fire on Blyth Place in Palm Coast. A fire in the back of the home forced John and Sue Beale, as well as McKerlie, to evacuate to the front yard. An FCSO Deputy then instructed them to move to the street, away from the burning home.
Moments later, the deputy went to the back of a fire engine on the scene to check on McKerlie. There he found McKerlie sitting on the truck’s tailgate. That’s when McKerlie raised his wooden cane and swung it in an aggressive manner striking the deputy in the head and the firefighter near his armpit. The deputy would quickly disarm the man and take him into custody.
Investigators determined that McKerlie actually started the fire when he ignited a mattress. McKerlie told authorities that it all stemmed from an altercation with family members earlier in the evening. With smoke billowing at the front door, firefighters were able to quickly contain the flames to the rear of the home.
“Taking a swing at one of our deputies or a firefighter who was trying to help was a big mistake,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Thankfully, my deputy and the firefighter did not suffer any major injuries. This arsonist will now sit in the Green Roof Inn and be held responsible for his actions.”
McKerlie faces two counts of Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer/Firefighter and one count of Arson.
Watch the video from the scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJUdXkDpbOc
Date: 2-25-22
Prepared by: Don Foley
Release #: 2022-045
