A man who barricaded himself in a residence in Bartow and who told deputies he was depressed, was taken into custody late on Thursday.
Polk County Sheriff’s deputies said, 28-year-old Kevin Bennett exited the Circle K convenience store parking lot at 116 N Carleston Avenue, Fort Meade just before mid-night and drove away in a Ford Crown Victoria with a faulty tag light.
Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle because of an improperly working tag light, but Bennett fled.
Bennett went to the home of an associate and deputies requested Bartow Police to assist with arresting him on a warrant for Fleeing to Elude.
When Bennett observed Bartow Police in the area, he immediately closed himself in the residence and refused to come out. Bennett told Bartow police officers he was in possession of a gun.
Bennett held himself inside of the residence for several hours before members of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies eventually removed him from the residence. Bennett had no physical injuries. No weapon was found.
Bennett was transported to the Bartow Police Department where he was interviewed. Bennett admitted to fleeing from deputies Wednesday and that he knew his driver’s license was not valid. He also admitted to fleeing from members of the Bartow Police Department when he observed them in the area of East Georgia Street. He was charged with Fleeing to Elude, DWLSR, and Resisting Arrest.
Bennett stated he was depressed and “did not want to be here anymore” because of the hard times he is going through. Bennett was arrested and involuntarily admitted into the Peace River Crisis Stabilization unit for a psychological evaluation.
