DeLand, FL - A Volusia County deputy remains calm and professional during an arrest in which the suspect spouted a litany of threats while handcuffed.
Last Saturday night (February 23rd), a deputy with the Volusia County's Sheriff's Office pulled over 52-year-old Timothy Verstraete for driving without a tag light.
The deputy who pulled over Verstraete was familiar with him due to the numerous calls to his residence and him being frequently intoxicated, according to VCSO's report.
While speaking Verstraete, the deputy noticed that he was slurring his words and his eyes were extremely bloodshot. He also looked into his truck and found an open container of beer and an open case of beer.
Verstraete exited the vehicle and the deputy performed a multitude of sobriety tests that Verstraete ended up failing. Therefore, Verstraete was arrested for driving while intoxicated.
Once he was placed under arrest, he was asked if he wanted to provide a breath sample, which he refused. A quick search of his criminal history showed that he has been previously arrested for DUI twice in the past, once in 2002 and again in 2003, making this his third.
Again w/ the racism and wanting to kill cops just for doing their jobs. (This individual was charged with DUI and making threats against a law enforcement officer) @SheriffChitwood pic.twitter.com/HwqoJnncBy
— Volusia Co. Sheriff (@VolusiaSheriff) February 26, 2019
When placed in the back of the deputy, Verstraete told the deputy "you shouldn't have done that" and that he was going to find the deputy.
He also told the deputy that he hopes a hurricane comes and "completely wipes you all out," including his family and African Americans and Hispanics.
When the deputy asked him to clarify what he said and why he wanted a hurricane to kill people, Verstraete responded: "so white boys will not finish last anymore." The deputy told him that's not how hurricanes worked.
Another calm, collected & professional deputy dealing w/ drunken ignorance & racism. See it all the time - proud of Deputy James' response. And no, that's not how hurricanes work https://t.co/bOQMTw20EK
— Mike Chitwood (@SheriffChitwood) February 26, 2019
Verstraete then told the deputy that he wanted to go to jail for murder and that he wanted the deputy to hand over his gun so he could shoot him.
At the end of the night, Verstraete was charged with DUI and threats against a law enforcement officer. Records show that he is no longer in custody at Volusia County Jail.
