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Highlands Today

Police Taser Woman After Attempted Alcohol Purchase

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Brad Dickerson

Published: October 22, 2008

SEBRING - A Babson Park woman was still in jail Tuesday on a $2,500 bond after being arrested Monday and accused of striking a police officer.

Letta Katherine Updike, 21, of 1434 N. Crooked Lake Drive, was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence and trespassing.

Officers with the Sebring Police Department were dispatched to the Gate Station in reference to an argument that started between two store employees and the suspect over their refusal to sell her alcohol.

Updike wanted to see in writing about the employees not being allowed to sell her alcohol. Their decision stemmed from undisclosed information provided by the suspect's boyfriend.

Officers advised Updike that, based on the information given, the employees could be held civilly liable if the alcohol was sold and something happened to her because of it, according to the arrest report.

The officers added that the store had the right to refuse service to anyone and they wanted her to leave.

"I'm not going anywhere," the suspect replied. "I want to see it in writing."

Updike was told that if she didn't leave, she could be arrested for trespassing, the report stated.

"(Expletive) you, I want to see it in writing," she responded.

An officer attempted to place Updike under arrest when she allegedly pushed him and started swinging her arms to try and strike him.

The officer took the suspect to the ground and told her repeatedly to stop resisting, the report said. She then started hitting him in the face and kicking him in the upper body.

Another officer arrived on the scene, saw the disturbance and used his Taser on Updike to subdue her.

She allegedly told officers that using the Taser "was a cheap shot."

Sebring Police Officer Joe Stump made the arrest.

Brad Dickerson can be reached at (863) 386-5838 or bdickerson@highlandstoday.com

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