A block party in DeLand, Florida, turned violent over the weekend when police officers were pelted with glass bottles and other objects while attempting to arrest two men seen exchanging a firearm. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene to disperse a crowd of approximately 1,500 people blocking streets.
According to the police, the incidents occurred early Sunday when deputies noticed two men exchanging a firearm. When one of the individuals was instructed to drop the weapon, he threw it away and attempted to flee. The officers managed to recover the loaded Ruger 9mm and arrested Charles Turner, 37, who has a significant criminal history with 18 prior convictions. Turner now faces charges including possession of a weapon/ammunition by a convicted felon, inciting a riot, and others. The other individual involved, Alphonso Parker, 27, was also arrested on similar charges.
During the arrests, several incidents of violence occurred. A deputy was hit with a cup of alcohol, and while apprehending the person responsible, another male subject sucker-punched a deputy and fled the area. In addition, a deputy and a DeLand police officer were hit with a barstool and a mason jar by members of the crowd who then quickly fled. Glass bottles were also thrown at patrol vehicles in the street. As a result of the chaos, a Volusia officer sustained a minor knee injury, and a DeLand officer suffered a minor head injury.
Overall, law enforcement conducted 12 traffic stops, issued five citations, towed five vehicles, made seven arrests, seized two firearms, confiscated narcotics, and recovered $3,840 in cash.
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