Police briefs

Man charged with spitting at deputy

SEBRING - Patrick Joseph Flood, 40, of 2821 Whistle Stop, Sebring, was arrested Wednesday and charged with battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer with violence.

Flood was put into handcuffs after deputies could smell alcohol on his breath while interviewing him about a reported domestic battery complaint, according to the arrest report.

As Deputy Michael Parker was completing his paperwork, Flood allegedly started yelling obscenities at him and spit on his head.

The suspect was then put into leg restraints, but not before shouting more obscenities and trying to kick at the patrol car's door and windows, the report stated.

Woman charged with interfering in domestic complaint

LAKE PLACID - Jessica Lane Gavagni, 25, of Lake Placid, was charged Wednesday with battery on an officer and a misdemeanor count of resisting an officer without violence.

Authorities went to a Lake Placid home after someone called in a domestic disturbance report saying there was yelling and breaking windows.

When law enforcement arrived, they found the living room had lots of things scattered about, as though a fight had taken place. A large television had been knocked off its stand and was lying in the floor, according to the arrest report.

Gavagni came into the living room and reportedly had injuries to her face and was covered in blood. She was asked where the other person was, but said she did not need help and no one else was there, the report stated.

She continued to deny anyone else was at the home and said she got the injuries during a fight at a Sebring bar. Gavagni tried to get the authorities to leave, and reportedly pushed one in the chest as they tried to conduct their investigation.

Highlands County Sheriff's Deputy Steven Ritenour made the arrest.

Police: Man flees after traffic accident

SEBRING - Joshua Stephan Winkler, 25, of 522 Violet Ave., Sebring, was arrested Tuesday and charged with fleeing/eluding, a felony, and a misdemeanor count of driving with an expired license for more than four months.

Police were following a Honda on U.S. 27 South that was going 68 in a 50 mile per hour zone and had one headlight out. The vehicle eventually flipped on its side as it traveled at a high rate of speed down Raley Road, according to the arrest report.

A woman inside the car said Winkler had run away after the accident happened. The registered owner of the vehicle also came on the scene and told authorities the suspect had been at her house earlier and had been drinking, the report stated.

It was also learned Winkler was on felony probation. A K9 track was started and he was found 500 feet north of Raley Road.

Sebring Police Officer Sean Bueford made the arrest.