Key resident arrested for battery on a law enforcement officer

Longboat Key resident James Armstrong, of the 2900 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive, was arrested at 5:40 a.m., Saturday, on felony charges of battery on a law-enforcement officer and resisting an officer with violence.

According to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office report, Armstrong entered the Sheriff’s Operations Center at 600 301 Blvd. W., Bradenton, and asked for medical treatment due to abdominal pain. The report states a deputy, identified in the report as Dep. Smith, began assisting Armstrong with getting medical help when Armstrong “suddenly charged” the deputy.

“The defendant used both hands to push Dep. Smith out the front doors in front of our telephone-reporting unit,” the report states. “The defendant and Dep. Smith began wrestling around in the front area until other deputies arrived on scene.”

Smith suffered a dislocated shoulder and large abrasion on his forehead. Smith and Armstrong were transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Armstrong was released from the Manatee County jail on $2,500 bond.