‘Really wanted another drink’: Man arrested at Florida liquor store after ‘spitting blood’ at deputies, sheriff say

A man from New York is facing multiple charges after a violent, alcohol-fueled incident at a liquor store in Palm Coast, Florida, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

Jeffrey Kimmel, 38, of Wappingers Falls, New York, was arrested Wednesday afternoon after deputies responded to reports of a disturbance at Sharps Discount Liquors. He is charged with burglary, burglary with assault or battery, resisting an officer with violence, breach of the peace, criminal mischief exceeding $1,000, and eight counts of battery on a law enforcement officer.

Authorities say the incident began around 2 p.m. when deputies were called to the store for a “verbal disturbance.” However, the situation quickly escalated. According to the sheriff’s office, dispatchers informed responding deputies that a man — later identified as Kimmel — was standing on the counter with a large knife in his waistband, spitting and throwing glass bottles onto the floor.

Deputies arrived to find Kimmel still on the counter and in what was described as an “erratic state.” The store clerk reportedly refused to sell him additional alcohol, prompting the outburst. Kimmel had earlier purchased four shots of liquor before returning to the store for more.

After being removed from the building, Kimmel allegedly resisted arrest, kicking, screaming, and spitting at deputies. He was also reportedly bleeding from injuries sustained during the incident. Deputies were forced to place a spit hood over his head to prevent the spread of bodily fluids.

Store employees and several customers locked themselves in a back room during the episode for safety.

Body camera footage shows Kimmel initially speaking calmly with deputies, but his demeanor quickly changed. He began shouting nonsensical phrases, challenging deputies to use force, and threatened to bite and spit on them — actions he followed through on, according to officials.

Kimmel was restrained on the ground, continued to spit at officers, and was eventually placed into a patrol vehicle.

He is currently being held at the Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility on a $236,000 bond.

“This guy must have really wanted another drink,” said Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly in a statement. “He found out he’s not in New York, and we don’t tolerate this kind of behavior in Florida. His violent actions endangered innocent people and caused serious damage to a local business. Thanks to our deputies, he was taken into custody before anyone was seriously hurt.”

Sheriff Staly added, “Florida is not a catch-and-release state. If you attack a deputy, you will be subdued and taken to the Green Roof Inn.”

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