Florida Man Arrested After Confronting Police with Flamethrower

A Florida man is in jail following a confrontation with police in which he allegedly brandished a flamethrower. The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Joseph Moreton, faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest without violence.

Man Arrested After Confronting Port St. Lucie Police with Flamethrower

Port St. Lucie Police Department

The incident took place Monday night after police responded to reports of an explosion and smoke near Southwest Kimball Circle. When officers arrived, they encountered Moreton, who was yelling from his backyard. He then approached them in the street holding a flamethrower.

Despite officers ordering him at gunpoint to drop the weapon, Moreton refused and continued moving toward them. At one point, he pointed the flamethrower at an officer. One of the officers managed to get close enough to grab the device from Moreton, who then retreated inside his home.

Flamethrower - Port St. Lucie Police Department

After surrounding the property, police called for Moreton to surrender. When he appeared at the front door, he attempted to shine a flashlight in an officer's face, but officers were able to subdue him using Tasers. Moreton was then taken into custody without further issues.

Facing Charges

Following medical clearance, Moreton was booked into the St. Lucie County Jail, where he remains on a $5,500 bond. The police have confirmed that no injuries occurred during the encounter, and the investigation continues.