Deputies: Corrections officer acting ‘belligerently’ arrested
An Osceola County corrections officer is on administrative leave after deputies say he was acting “belligerently” at his daughter’s soccer game Tuesday.
Joseph Hicks, 27, was arrested after the incident and is facing charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest, Polk County sheriff ’s officials said.
He was given a $1,500 bond Wednesday.
Polk deputies were called about 7:30 p.m. to Duff Field, just north of Lakeland, to reports of a drunk and disorderly person at a kids’ soccer game.
They found Hicks acting belligerent toward the players, coaches and other parents, sheriff ’s officials said.
Hicks, who lives in Lakeland, had alcohol on his breath, slurred his speech and was unsteady on his feet, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said his wife was begging him to get in her vehicle so they could leave, but Hicks refused.
When deputies tried calming him down, Hicks pulled out his corrections officer badge and later tried approaching one of the deputies in “an aggressive manner,” the Sheriff’s Office said. He ignored commands to not touch the deputies and then grabbed one of their arms, officials said.
Deputies said Hicks continued to be uncooperative while in custody.
Osceola County Corrections officials said Hicks is a certified corrections officer. He has been with the county since 2014 and is on paid administrative leave pending an investigation.
A corrections spokeswoman said the department has “zero tolerance” for contradictory behavior and holds all employees to “the highest standard.”