Seminole Co. man charged with battery on FWC officer
For immediate release: June 3, 2011
Contact: Katie Purcell, 850-459-6585
Seminole Co. man charged with battery on FWC officer
A Seminole County man is facing several felony charges after a struggle with a female undercover FWC officer patrolling Mullet Lake Park over the Memorial Day holiday, watching for violations of fish and wildlife laws. The officer, who identified herself as such before the altercation, suffered a small laceration and minor puncture wounds to her hand and fingers. She was treated and released from a local hospital.
Michael G. Simmons (DOB 07/11/79) of Oviedo is charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence and battery on an officer. He is also facing boating under the influence (BUI) and driving under the influence (DUI) charges and misdemeanor charges as result of the incident. Simmons is being held at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility on nearly $8,000 bond.
“Our primary concern is with the health and safety of our officers, and we are fortunate the officer was not seriously hurt,” said Lt. Jeff Hudson. “This incident occurred during one of the busiest boating weekends of the year, during which several people were arrested for BUI and DUI, and numerous boating safety citations and warnings were issued.”
The incident occurred several hours after Simmons received a minor boating citation. He returned to the boat ramp and approached the undercover officer, saying he was going to cut the tires of a marked FWC patrol truck parked at the boat ramp. Simmons then punctured one of the truck’s tires.
Upon seeing this, the undercover officer displayed her badge, identifying herself as an FWC officer. Simmons ran for his truck, jumped in and closed the door. The officer reached into the truck and grabbed the keys, in an attempt to stop Simmons from starting the vehicle. After a struggle in which Simmons was ultimately able to start the ignition, the officer tried to shut the truck off. Simmons then began stabbing and slashing at the officer’s left hand.
Other FWC officers and a Seminole County deputy responded, subdued Simmons with pepper spray and removed him from his truck. The officers later recovered a small knife on the floor of Simmons’ truck, under the steering wheel.