LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A 35-year-old man faces multiple charges following two incidents involving stolen vehicles and assaults on emergency responders, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
On August 1, deputies responded to a crash involving a black pickup truck at 605 South Dixie Highway. The driver, identified as Cesar James, was operating the vehicle with a revoked license and was initially suspected of driving under the influence.
Authorities reported that James became uncooperative and verbally aggressive towards Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel, refusing transport to JFK Medical Center for potential injuries and allegedly attempting to strike firefighters. One firefighter claimed to have been punched multiple times during the altercation.
After being taken to the emergency room, James continued to verbally assault medical staff and PBSO deputies, threatening an officer before being subdued and arrested.
The following day, deputies were dispatched to the intersection of 6th Avenue S and South Dixie Highway for another crash. They discovered another black pickup truck had collided with a streetlamp, with James identified again as the driver. It was revealed that he stole this vehicle from a Boynton Beach residence.
James now faces charges including grand theft of a motor vehicle, battery on a firefighter, and driving with a suspended license. The investigation is ongoing.