DADE CITY, Florida — A Plant City man faces multiple charges for an incident in which he allegedly tased a Pasco County Sheriff’s deputy and tried to take his gun.

• Deputy spotted Bryan Roque, 30, while on patrol
• Encounter led to foot pursuit, Roque resisting arrest
• Citizens responded when deputy called out for help

Deputy Darren Goodwald said he was conducting a routine patrol in Dade City when Bryan Roque, 30, drove by him in a gray Dodge van. Goodwald said he became suspicious when Roque shielded his face as he passed.

He said he ran the tag and it didn’t match the vehicle. According to Goodwald, when Roque realized the deputy was following him, he led him on a chase that included cutting off other vehicles, driving across an open field, and nearly hitting pedestrians.

Goodwald said Roque stopped the van at the intersection of 10th St. and Pond Avenue and got out.

“He looked at me and taunted me to kind of chase him – gave me the, ‘Come on, let’s go,’” Goodwald said, gesturing.

Grappling for Taser, then weapon

The deputy said a foot pursuit ensued, during which Roque tried to carjack a passing driver. When Goodwald caught up to Roque, he said the man resisted arrest, so he held his Taser against his arm and told him to comply, but Roque refused.

Goodwald said it was as he tried to radio for help that Roque grabbed the Taser with both hands and took it from him. The deputy said Roque activated the Taser and pulled the trigger.

Goodwald said he pulled Roque close so he couldn’t point the Taser directly at him, and both men were hit.

“We both took the ride – five-second Taser ride, which was not fun,” said Goodwald. “At that point, deadly force. That’s it. It’s life or death at that point.”

Goodwald said he reached for his gun and found Roque was trying to pull it out of his holster and already released the first level of retention on it.

At this point, the deputy said his main concern was keeping the gun away from Roque to protect himself and the bystanders that had gathered during the struggle. 

Citizens get involved

“I was about to walk outside and smoke a cigarette when I heard it,” said Jose Bernal. Bernal said he saw most of the pursuit along 10th Street.

“I could hear the deputy asking for help. He was trying to grab his gun, his weapon. So, I ran over to assist him,” Bernal said.

Goodwald said several citizens came forward to help.

“I was in fear of my life. There was every thought going through my mind that says, ‘You might die,’” Goodwald said.

“The fact that they could see that his hand was on my gun and that they needed to act, that was excellent work by them," he continued. "Like I said, I didn’t even ask them to – they just did it, just because.”

Aftermath

Back-up arrived shortly after and Roque was arrested. Goodwald said it appears Roque was experiencing an excited delirium caused by overuse of drugs.

Roque faces multiple charges, including attempted carjacking, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, and resisting arrest. Bond was set at $240,000.

“He’s alive to face justice, I’m alive. So, as far as I’m concerned, this is the best possible outcome that could’ve happened,” Goodwald said.