DeFuniak Springs man arrested after violation of protection order

WALTON COUNTY, FL. ( WMBB ) – The Walton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call involving the violation of a protection order in DeFuniak Springs on Tuesday evening.

According to a news release, after the deputy arrived, they confirmed that 49-year-old, William Howard III had made contact with them, violating a restraining order.

Officials said once Howard was informed he was being placed under arrest, he began pulling away and refusing to comply with the deputy. Howard was tased, but it had no effect leading him to continue fighting the deputy to avoid arrest, officials confirmed.

The deputy was forced to go hands-on, during the altercation Howard grabbed the deputy by the throat. He was able to break Howard’s grip and force him to the ground until other units arrived on the scene, officials wrote.

Howard was cleared by the Walton County Fire Rescue medical personnel. He was transported and booked into the Walton County Jail.

Howard was charged with Battery on a Law Enforcement officer, resisting with violence, and violation of a protection order. He is being held with no bond.

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