FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A 38-year-old man faces charges after he pulled out a gun while being pursued by a deputy in Flagler County late Saturday evening, according to a news release.
Deputies said that just before midnight, they were patrolling the W-Section of Palm Coast when they noticed a man – later identified as Michael McDermott – on the sidewalk alongside Pine Lakes Parkway standing next to a bicycle on the ground.
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According to the release, a deputy tried to make contact with McDermott, but the man picked up the bike and began to ride away.
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Deputies said they activated emergency lights and “attempted a traffic stop on McDermott,” but he appeared to slow down, only to pedal away and before turning onto Westminster Drive.
According to the sheriff’s office, as the deputy turned onto Westminster Drive in pursuit, he observed McDermott pulling a gun out of his pants.
“Fearing that McDermott would engage him with the firearm,” the deputy struck the man with his vehicle. This caused McDermott to be ejected from the bike and to drop the gun, according to the release.
Deputies said they recovered a 9mm firearm near McDermott, who was also wearing a holster for the weapon.
According to the release, McDermott was arrested and faces charges of assault or battery on a law enforcement officer, fleeing and eluding, resisting an officer with violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
“McDermott has an extensive arrest history in Flagler County since 2013,” the release said in part.
Deputies said he was released from the Flagler County jail on Dec. 17 after served a 90-day sentence for possession of fentanyl.
After being treated at the hospital for an injury to his ankle, McDermott was taken back to the Flagler County jail.
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