A Florida man who claimed to be an employee of President Donald Trump is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly fleeing a crash, assaulting police officers, and making violent threats during his arrest.
Authorities in North Palm Beach said David Scarlott, 34, became aggressive and combative when officers confronted him on Sunday about a hit-and-run crash. According to a probable cause affidavit, Scarlott “refused to answer any questions” and declared he didn’t need to cooperate because “he worked for the President of the United States.”
When officers arrived at his home on Huckleberry Lane, Scarlott allegedly reeked of alcohol and hurled repeated racial slurs at police. “F— you, you f—ing n—,” he reportedly shouted, according to the affidavit. Moments later, he allegedly pointed a lit cigarette close to an officer’s face, coming inches from burning him.
The encounter escalated as Scarlott allegedly threatened to assault the officers and their families. “I’ll beat you and your family,” he said, before yelling, “F— the cops” and “you pigs have nothing else to do,” disturbing nearby residents, police reported.
Scarlott was restrained after resisting arrest and continued his tirade while being transported to the station, repeatedly banging his head against the patrol car window. “Take these handcuffs off so I can wipe the floor with you,” he allegedly told officers. “You shouldn’t be cops in a white neighborhood.”
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Inside the holding cell, Scarlott allegedly attempted to spit on an officer after asking to speak to a sergeant. Police said he continued to threaten them, adding, “If I was free of these handcuffs, I’ll make sure you don’t make it home to your family.”
At one point, Scarlott allegedly boasted about his supposed connection to Trump, warning officers that they would “end up unemployed” if they didn’t release him.
The North Palm Beach Police Department booked Scarlott on felony counts of attempted battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest without violence, and corruption by threat against a public official.
Court records show Scarlott appeared before a judge Monday and was granted a $25,000 bond for the battery charge, $5,000 for resisting arrest, and $10,000 for corruption by threat. Authorities have not confirmed whether he remained in custody as of Wednesday.
This case adds to a growing list of Florida criminal cases involving individuals accused of attacking law enforcement officers. Police departments across the state continue to emphasize officer safety and public accountability as key priorities amid rising tensions between citizens and law enforcement.
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