Palm Coast Man Battles Deputies After Canal Water Rescue

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office arrested Ryan McMinn, 47, of Palm Coast, Florida, on July 3 after he battered deputies who were attempting to pull him from a canal during a water rescue.

The incident began as a welfare check when a deputy found McMinn shirtless and lying on the ground in front of Wadsworth Elementary School. When the deputy approached to check on him, McMinn fled on foot.

A short time later, the Flagler County Emergency Communications Center received a call from a resident on Whittle Place in Palm Coast reporting that a man was crawling around a backyard and attempting to climb the side of a house.

Deputies responded and located McMinn near a canal behind the residence. When deputies asked if he needed assistance, McMinn ran into the canal and began swimming through water known to contain snakes and alligators.

Deputies repeatedly ordered McMinn to exit the water, but he refused to comply. As he continued treading water, deputies observed signs that he was becoming exhausted.

Deputies entered the canal to pull McMinn to safety due to concerns for his welfare. During the rescue, McMinn battered the deputies who were attempting to remove him from the water.

McMinn was taken into custody following the incident. He faces a charge of battery on a law enforcement officer.

The case remains active with the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.