A Santa Rosa County man found himself in jail after slapping a deputy and running off into the woods last week, according to a Sheriff's Office report.
Jeremy Rufus Miller, 39, of Navarre, was spotted by authorities walking along Highway 98 this week. He had several, active felony warrants out for his arrest and deputies were aware that he may have been armed.
Deputy James Vaughn parked his patrol vehicle and approached the man on foot, calling out to him. Miller ignored the deputy and continued walking.
The deputy informed Miller that he was under arrest and attempted to handcuff him. Miller spun around and broke away from the deputy. Vaughn then tried to take Miller down to the ground, but was unsuccessful.
Vaughn chased the man down and grabbed the back of his shirt. Miller turned and slapped the deputy's hand away, running into the nearby woods where he lost the deputy.
The offender was found a short distance away, where he was taken into custody and read his Miranda Rights. Miller told authorities he ran because he knew he had active warrants for his arrest.
Miller was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence. He was booked into the Santa Rosa County jail and given a $20,000 bond.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Wanted man resists deputy, runs into woods