WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Seven people were arrested after a large fight broke out on Christmas in Winter Haven, police say.
At approximately 9:30 p.m. on December 25, officers responded to the report of a large fight happening in the street in front of 120 Ave R NW in Winter Haven. When officers arrived on scene, the crowd immediately became hostile towards officers as attempts were being made to break up the fight. No officers were injured in the fight, however four of the officers were attacked while attempting to break up the fight.
"Our officers showed extreme restraint in dealing with this crowd that continued to escalate in aggression," said Public Safety Director Charlie Bird. "I am thankful that everyone went home safe and those who chose to act out on Christmas Day went to jail." Five of the seven people arrested attacked officers as they tried to gain control over the crowd.
The following suspects were arrested:
Derrick Munson, of Winter Haven was charged with Battery on Law Enforcement Officers and Resisting Officer without Violence. Munson pulled away from officers and then spit in the face of an officer as he was being placed inside of a patrol vehicle, according to police.
Marquarius Jasper, of Auburndale was charged with Battery on Law Enforcement Officers and Resisting Officer With Violence. Jasper ran up behind an officer and aggressively pushed him while the officer was attempting to break up the fight. Jasper then attempted to run away, but was apprehended after an electronic control device was deployed, police say.
Eddie Munson, of Lakeland was charged with Resisting Officer without Violence. Munson ignored numerous verbal commands to step back and attempted to separate officers from performing their duties. Munson was
sprayed with OC spray and became compliant, according to police.
Latoya Munson, of Lakeland was charged with Battery on Law Enforcement Officers and Resisting Officer without Violence. Munson grabbed the arm of an officer as he was placing another subject under arrest. She then attempted to leave the scene, but was apprehended and continued to resist officers as she was being placed under arrest, according to police.
Terrance Miller, of Winter Haven was charged with Battery on Law Enforcement Officer. Miller pushed an officer multiple times in an attempt to get the officer away from another subject who was being arrested, according to police.
Shantee Walden, of Winter Haven was charged with Resisting Arrest without Violence. Walden interfered with an officer as another suspect was being placed inside of a patrol vehicle. Walden attempted two times to push officers away and pull the suspect out of the patrol car, according to police.
A juvenile, of Winter Haven was charged with Battery on Law Enforcement Officers and Resisting Officer With Violence. The juvenile was interfering with officers as they were attempting to gain control over the crowd. The juvenile pushed officers multiple times and refused to obey verbal commands, according to police.
