CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — 55-year-old Robert Thomas Abel was taken into custody Sunday, March 6 for openly displaying a firearm at the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and resisting his arrest.
According to his report, Abel arrived at the Clay County Sheriff’s Office at 901 North Orange Avenue and demanded a meeting with Sheriff Michelle Cook. He also made a suspicious phone call to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.
When deputies went out to confront Abel, he approached them carrying a black handgun inside a shoulder harness. When Abel reached for the firearm, deputies grabbed the firearm and ripped it from his holster as Abel yelled and fought against them.
Abel was tackled to the ground, the report says, due to resistance and deputies delivered several knee and closed-fist strikes to gain control.
When Abel stopped resisting, he was placed in handcuffs and taken to a patrol car.
Deputies found a “go bag” in Abel’s vehicle that contained medical supplies, medication, clothes and extra ammunition. They also found a carrier vest with ballistic plates and multiple military field rations — known as MRE or meals ready to eat — a satchel with two knives and a concealed carry permit.
Abel was identified by his driver’s license and social security card.