Man accused of violently kicking, screaming, and spitting blood at deputies during outburst at liquor store

PALM COAST, Fla. (TCN) — A New York man stands accused of screaming at an employee, jumping on a counter, kicking items, and assaulting deputies after a clerk refused to sell him more alcohol at a Florida liquor store.

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office responded to Sharps Discount Liquors on Sept. 3 to a report of a disturbance. Allegedly, a customer armed with a knife stood on top of the counter and began spitting and throwing glass bottles.

Responding deputies discovered the man, 38-year-old Jeffrey Kimmel, still on the counter, and they physically removed him “due to his erratic state.” The sheriff’s office brought Kimmel outside and said his hands were still bleeding from the “outburst.” Kimmel allegedly resisted authorities by “violently kicking, screaming, and spitting.” The sheriff’s office noted that Kimmel was “actively spitting blood,” and a spit mask had to be placed over his head.

A store employee reportedly told officials that Kimmel first went into the store and bought four liquor shots and left. Allegedly, he came back, but the clerk refused to sell him more alcohol. The clerk alleged that Kimmel “began screaming at her, jumped onto the counter, and started kicking items off the counter.” The store employee and other customers reportedly locked themselves in a back room to protect themselves.

Kimmel allegedly caused over $20,000 in damage during the incident.

Kimmel was arrested and faces multiple charges, including breach of peace, burglary, burglary with assault or battery, eight counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence, and criminal mischief — over $1,000. He was booked into the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and remains held on $236,000 bond.

The sheriff’s office noted that Kimmel has a criminal history of burglary, driving under the influence, and possession of stolen property.

In a statement, Sheriff Rick Staly said, “This guy must have really wanted another drink, but he found out he’s not in New York, and we won’t tolerate behavior like this in Florida.”

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