Lee sheriff's deputy uses Taser on man after he resists arrest

Lee County Sheriff's Office

• Name: Williams, Michael
• Charge: Resist Officer With Violence
• Residence: Detroit, MI
• Age: 20

BONITA SPRINGS — A Lee County sheriff's deputy used his Taser on a peddler Monday after he said the man damaged the seat-belt cover in a patrol car and threw something at someone’s house.

Michael Williams, 20, of Detroit, was charged with peddling without a permit, criminal mischief and resisting a law enforcement officer with violence.

According to a Lee County Sheriff’s Office report:

A man who lives in the 27000 block of Patrick Street, Bonita Springs, told deputies that a door-to-door peddler started an altercation and threw something at his house.

As the deputy arrived he saw a man, with cleaning towels hanging from his pockets and carrying a knapsack, walking down the driveway. The homeowner, who was not identified, said: “Is this some sort of a scam? I want him out of here and I don’t want him back.”

The deputy recognized Williams because he had warned the peddler Dec. 14 and a block away, that he needed a permit.

As the deputy asked the man for identification, he said: “Man, I’m just out here selling cleaning products instead of selling dope.”

He was arrested, pulled away from the deputy and said: “I’ll sit myself in the car, (expletive)” and “I’ll kick you in the face (expletive). Come closer so I can kick you (expletive) in the face.” He tried to kick at the deputy, who shut the patrol car door.

Williams also tried to unlock the door. He was told not to kick or damage the car or a Taser would be deployed. He responded: “I really don’t give a (expletive). You cops are gonna make (expletive) up anyways.”

He kicked again, damaging a trash basket and the seat belt buckle cover. The deputy used the Taser and wrote in his report: “Williams immediately complied and stopped kicking.”

Damage was estimated at $50.