Sheriff’s Agents Arrest Theft, Battery Suspect
By Space Coast Daily // September 22, 2013
CRIMELINE, G.A.M.E.O.V.E.R. takes care of business
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Information received from CRIMELINE identified 36-year-old Derek Ryan Boeck of Cocoa as the suspect in the Merritt Island Home Depot theft and battery case that occurred last week, and agents of the G.A.M.E.O.V.E.R. Task Force made the bust last night.
As previously reported on SpaceCoast Daily.com, at about 8 p.m. on Sept. 18 a white male suspect committed a theft at the Home Depot located at 200 N. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies were called to the business after receiving reports from witnesses of an off-duty deputy attempting to detain a suspect.
The incident occurred after off-duty deputy Don Eri observed suspicious activity involving a vehicle and the suspect outside of the business and then the suspect exiting the business with property that appeared to have stolen from the Home Depot.
Deputy Eri approached and identified himself to the suspect and attempted to detain him pending the arrival of the Sheriff’s Office. The suspect refused to comply and resisted with violence, battering Deputy Eri in the process. The suspect then entered a gray four door sedan driven by a white male which immediately left the area.
Deputy Eri sustained minor injuries as a result of the incident.
SOCIAL MEDIA NAILS SUSPECT
After Boeck’s picture was released via social media and the news media, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office received numerous tips from citizens who identified the suspect responsible for battering the off-duty deputy.
Late last night, agents of the G.A.M.E.O.V.E.R. Task Force developed information that Boeck was homeless and frequenting the area of Forrest and Hillcrest, Cocoa. Boeck, who was attempting to disguise himself by wearing a large hat and jumpsuit, was observed getting into a vehicle, which is believed to be the same vehicle used in the Home Depot incident.
As a result of the tips, agents obtained an arrest warrant for Boeck.
Late last night, agents of the G.A.M.E.O.V.E.R. Task Force developed information that Boeck was homeless and frequenting the area of Forrest and Hillcrest, Cocoa. Boeck, who was attempting to disguise himself by wearing a large hat and jumpsuit, was observed getting into a vehicle, which is believed to be the same vehicle used in the Home Depot incident.
Agents made contact with Boeck, who physically resisted arrest attempts by the agents.
HELD IN SHARPES ON $87,500 BOND
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Boeck was arrested for active felony arrest warrants of Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting Officer with Violence, Grand Theft and Resisting Merchant in Recovery of Merchandise. Boeck was additionally charged with Resisting Arrest with Violence and Providing a False Name to a Law Enforcement Officer. Boeck is being held at the Brevard County Jail Complex on a $87,500.00 bond.
Boeck has criminal histories in California and South Carolina relating to Burglaries, Drugs, Weapon and Resisting Arrest. The investigation determined that this case related to Boeck’s recent drug use relapse.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office East Precinct General Crimes Unit at (321) 633-7162 or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477). All calls to CRIMELINE are confidential, and callers can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward for information leading to an arrest.