Florida Man Arrested After Confronting Police with Flamethrower
In Port St. Lucie, a man was arrested after wielding a flamethrower against police officers. Joseph Moreton, 39, faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest without violence.
The incident unfolded Monday night on Southwest Kimball Circle, where police responded to a report of an explosion and smoke. Upon arrival, officers found Moreton in his backyard, where he began shouting at them. Armed with a handheld flamethrower, he advanced into the roadway and pointed the weapon at one of the officers.
Officers ordered Moreton to drop the flamethrower but were forced to disarm him when he continued his aggressive approach. Moreton then retreated into his home, prompting officers to surround the residence and request his surrender. He later re-emerged, attempting to blind an officer with a flashlight.
Police deployed Tasers, ultimately subduing and arresting Moreton without further incident. After being medically evaluated, he was taken to St. Lucie County Jail, where he remains in custody on a $5,500 bond.
