Manatee sheriff: Man punches deputy following arrest for crashing into Sunshine Skyway toll booth

MANATEE -- After deputies arrested a man for crashing into a Sunshine Skyway toll booth Tuesday night, he reacted by damaging a patrol vehicle window and punching a deputy in the face, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies were called to the toll booths at 11:53 a.m. because Charles Slothower, 25, had crashed his vehicle into them and ran away, according to an arrest report. A deputy caught Slothower running on the Skyway rest area ramp and he stopped. The deputy took him into custody.

While the deputy transported Slothower back to the accident scene, Slothower kicked the back passenger window several times, causing an estimated $500 in damage, deputies said.

Slothower was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time, according to a report by the Florida Highway Patrol. He was charged for running away from the scene.

At the Manatee County jail later that day, Slothower was released from medical treatment and a uniformed deputy was taking him back to his cell, according to the report. Another deputy said something to the deputy escorting Slothower, so he turned his head. Slothower then punched the deputy in the face.

Surveillance video showed that the deputy stumbled back but did not fall, then grabbed Slothower by the front and forced him to the ground. He held Slothower down until other deputies arrived.

Slothower has a black eye in his booking photo. It is unclear if the booking photo was taken before or after the incident when he punched the deputy.

Dave Bristow, spokesman for the sheriff's office, said they will not be releasing the video "at this time."

The deputy was treated and said he got "sucker punched." There were two cuts on the outside of his face and another on the inside of his lip, according to the report.

Slothower is charged with damage to property, criminal mischief and battery on an officer. He was released from the Manatee County jail after posting bonds totaling $10,620.

This story was originally published February 4, 2016 at 11:31 PM with the headline "Manatee sheriff: Man punches deputy following arrest for crashing into Sunshine Skyway toll booth ."