LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A 35-year-old man faces multiple charges, including battery on a firefighter, following two vehicle crashes this week, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
On August 1 at approximately 2:41 p.m., deputies responded to a crash involving a black pickup truck at 605 South Dixie Highway. The driver, identified as Cesar James, was found to be operating the vehicle with a revoked license. Initially considered for a possible DUI, James allegedly became aggressive towards responding Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel and attempted to strike firefighters.
Emergency medical staff reported James verbally assaulted them in the emergency room, even attempting to hit a PBSO deputy before being restrained and arrested.
The following day, deputies were dispatched to the intersection of 6th Avenue South and South Dixie Highway for another crash. There, a second black pickup truck had collided with a streetlamp. Authorities confirmed that this vehicle was stolen from a residence in Boynton Beach, with James identified as the driver once again.
James has been charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, battery on a firefighter, corruptly threatening a public servant, and driving with a suspended or revoked license, among other offenses. No injuries were reported in either incident.
The investigation is ongoing.