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On December 5, 2023 at approximately 0023 hours, I, Officer Pidgeon, responded as a back-up unit for Officer Bloodgood (W697) at the Hungry Howie’s located at 1144 6th St NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881 in reference to a vehicle crash.
Upon arrival, Officer Bloodgood had already concluded his crash investigation, however deemed the defendant, Penelope Martijn-Garcia, to be unfit to drive due to an altered mental status. Upon arrival, I also observed Martijn-Garcia to be showing signs of an altered mental status. Martijn-Garcia was speaking to us however her sentences were not making sense. Martijn-Garcia posed a threat to herself and others and attempted to handcuff her per Winter Haven Police Department’s policy that Baker Acts get handcuffed.
It should be noted that both Officer Bloodgood and myself were driving our marked agency issued patrol vehicle equipped with blue and red emergency lights and with “Police” written on both sides and the back of the vehicle.
Both Officer Bloodgood and I were in our agency issued patrol uniform with police insignia on the front and back, a police badge, and Winter Haven Police Department patches on both sleeves.
While attempting to handcuff Martijn-Garcia, she became extremely non-compliant. Martijn-Garcia began to brace and tense her arms, making it difficult to place her arms behind her back for handcuffing. Martijn-Garcia was advised to stop and to place her hands behind her back. At this point in time Martijn-Garcia kicked Officer Bloodgood in the left knee against his will. Officer Bloodgood then used his defensive tactics training and took Martijn-Garcia to the ground while still attempting to maintain control of her hands. While on the ground Martijn-Garcia was still refusing to comply with mine or Officer Bloodgood’s verbal commands to stop and get on her stomach. Martijn-Garcia managed to get her hands free from our grasps as we were attempting to roll her over. Martijn-Garcia at this point in time was flailing her arms and grabbing at our gear and weapons. Martijn-Garcia had grabbed both mine and Officer Bloodgood’s radio microphone during the fight. Martijn-Garcia also managed to kick Officer Bloodgood’s radio onto a different channel. At this point with Martijn-Garcia still not complying, Officer Bloodgood drew his agency issued Taser. We both gave Martijn-Garcia verbal warnings that she was going to get tased, however Martijn-Garcia still did not comply. Martijn-Garcia continued to kick, punch, and scratch myself and Officer Bloodgood. Officer Bloodgood dry stunned Martijn-Garcia. With assistance from other officers, we were able to handcuff Martin-Garcia and place her in the back of the patrol vehicle.
Martijn-Garcia is being charged with one count of resisting with violence, two counts of battery on law enforcement, and two counts of depriving officer the means of communicating.
Public Information Officer, Jamie Brown commented on the situation:
“Our officers face many uncertain scenarios when they answer a call,” said Jamie Brown, Public Information Officer. “The dangerous situation the officers faced with this call could have ended much worse. However, their training helped serve them in taking control of the defendant without any serious injuries to either officer or the defendant and we hope she gets the help she needs.”
