LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A 35-year-old man faces multiple charges after allegedly crashing two pickup trucks, including a stolen vehicle, and assaulting firefighters.
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO), the incidents began on August 1 when 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.
Initial investigations indicated a possible DUI; however, James became uncooperative, verbally assaulting Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel and attempting to strike them. Witnesses reported that he yelled obscenities and punched a firefighter multiple times.
While in the emergency room, James continued his aggressive behavior towards medical staff and PBSO deputies, reportedly trying to hit an officer before being subdued and arrested.
The following day, deputies attended another crash at the intersection of 6th Avenue S and South Dixie Highway, where they discovered another black pickup truck impaled into a streetlamp. PBSO confirmed it was the same driver, James, who had stolen the vehicle from a residence in Boynton Beach.
James has been charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, battery on a firefighter, and several other offenses including driving while license suspended. No injuries were reported in the crashes. Investigations are ongoing.