Teen Arrested After Authorities Say He Choked Deputy
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CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — An 18-year-old southwest Florida man has been arrested after authorities say he struck a deputy several times and choked him.
Pinellas County Sheriff's officials said Deputy Jason Fineran saw the teen riding a bicycle without lights early Saturday morning in a mobile home park. Fineran stopped Justin McGirt, but authorities said McGirt refused.
The officer grabbed the bicyclist's hand and the suspect allegedly hit the deputy in the face.
As the struggle continued, authorities said McGirt wrapped his thighs around the officer's neck trying to choke him.
Multiple deputies arrived to assist and used a Taser multiple times to take the suspect into custody.
McGirt faces several charges including attempted homicide on an officer and aggravated battery on an officer.
The deputy was transported to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
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