A Michigan man has been arrested after allegedly threatening the lives of police officers who approached him while he was sleeping on the side of a Florida freeway. The incident took place early Monday morning near Northlake Boulevard on southbound Interstate 95 in Palm Beach Gardens.
Incident Details
Jonathon Pego, 35, was found by Palm Beach Gardens police officers around 12:35 a.m. on the western shoulder of the freeway. According to the arrest warrant, Pego appeared to be unconscious, breathing, and disheveled.
Officers noted that he seemed highly impaired and unaware of his surroundings. Despite being in a vulnerable state, Pego initially identified himself with his name and birthday but became increasingly agitated when officers asked for more information.
Hostile Reaction and Arrest
When one of the officers offered to help, Pego allegedly responded with hostility, telling the officer, “F– you.” This prompted the officer to draw his taser as Pego continued to ignore commands and refused to stand up. Pego allegedly threatened the officer, telling him not to touch him in a menacing manner.
Within just five minutes of arriving on the scene, officers managed to restrain Pego and place him under arrest. While transporting him to the police station, officers discovered an identification card from the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan in his pocket.
It was during this time that Pego reportedly made further threats against the officer’s life.
Threats and Charges
According to the arrest warrant, Pego allegedly told the officers, “No one is going to miss you where you’re going,” and made comments about having friends who could harm the officer and his family. These threats led to charges of corruption by threat against a public servant, as well as resisting arrest with and without violence.
Pego is currently being held at the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department with a bond set at $1,000.
The incident highlights the dangers law enforcement officers face even in seemingly routine situations, such as checking on someone on the side of the road. Pego’s aggressive response and subsequent threats against the officers have led to serious charges, and the case is expected to proceed through the legal system.
