A visibly intoxicated man was arrested late Saturday night after he became aggressive with the Ocala Police officer who was checking on his well-being.
Trevor Martin Galloway, 38, of Ocala was charged with committing battery on a law-enforcement officer after the incident, which happened outside Mark’s Prime Steakhouse at 30 S. Magnolia Ave.
A restaurant employee contacted police about a man who was sitting on the sidewalk in front of the business. The officer reported he had seen Galloway sitting in the same location and leaning on the same light pole two hours earlier.
According to the OPD report, Galloway appeared to be sleeping, so the officer called out to him several times without a response. The officer then walked directly in front of Galloway to get his attention. Galloway awoke and immediately tried to stand up. Because Galloway appeared intoxicated, the officer repeatedly asked him if he was OK and told him he didn’t need to stand up.
After Galloway stood up, he assumed an aggressive stance and began moving towards the officer, who placed his right hand on Galloway’s chest in an attempt to put some space between the two men. Galloway continued moving forward so the officer warned him to get back, a police report states.
At that point, Galloway grabbed the officer’s right arm and began to resist. As the officer raised his left hand to push Galloway back, Galloway grabbed his left arm.
With Galloway holding both of his arms, the officer repeatedly told him to stop. Due to Galloway’s aggressive demeanor and resistance of his commands, the officer used a leg sweeping motion to bring Galloway to the ground. He called for backup and for emergency medical services due to Galloway’s apparent intoxication. One of the responding officers was familiar with Galloway and said he had been at Ocala Regional Medial Center for his intoxication earlier in the evening, the report says.
Galloway continued to be aggressive after being placed in handcuffs and tried to kick officers multiple times while being searched for weapons and illegal drugs. He was finally subdued and taken to the Marion County Jail, where he remains held on $500 bond.
Galloway will appear in Marion County Court on April 16.