An Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputy was able to escape harm after an armed burglary suspect tried to pull a weapon on him, and also take the deputy’s gun from its holster during a struggle.

It began when the deputy was investigating an armed burglary on Auburn Lane near Crestview last night. He located an individual on a minibike near Willow Lane who matched the suspect’s description. After a traffic stop, that individual gave the deputy a fake name. He then turned as if he was working on the minibike. That’s when the deputy saw the individual reach into his front pants pocket and try to draw a gun, later identified as a loaded .380 pistol. The deputy grabbed the man’s arm and the suspect broke free and began running.

The deputy was able to get the suspect to the ground, where the man struck him repeatedly and tried mutiple times to remove the deputy’s gun from its holster. Thankfully the deputy was able to use techniques learned in training to work to subdue the suspect. He was then assisted by a Good Samaritan who rushed to the scene to help, along with another deputy who arrived.

19-year old Blake Spieth of Willow Lane in Crestview was ultimately placed in handcuffs.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office recovered multiple stolen items, ranging from tools to a Turtle Box speaker. A mask and head covering matching video surveillance from the recent burglary were also found.

Spieth is now charged with aggravated assault towards a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon, resisting an officer with violence, larceny, possession of a firearm with an altered serial number, possession of fentanyl, armed trespassing, and possession of burglary tools and drug paraphernalia. .

“This is a prime example of how quickly things can go south for law enforcement officers working to protect our citizens and their property. We’re incredibly grateful our brave deputy was able to use his training to escape harm in this incident and we want to acknowledge the courage of the Good Samaritan who rushed to his aid during the struggle over a weapon,” said Sheriff Eric Aden.

Spieth is currently being held without bond in the Okaloosa County Jail in Crestview.

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