CITRUS COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – A jury found a 50-year-old man guilty of leading Citrus County deputies on a wild chase and then hitting and kicking them and a K-9.
The State Attorney’s Office (SAO) says a jury found Robert Joe Maracek guilty on multiple charges including:
- aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer
- aggravated assault of a law officer
- fleeing or attempting to elude
- two counts of throwing a deadly object at a vehicle
- possession of amphetamine
- battery of a K-9
- providing false identity to law enforcement
- driving without a license
- driving with no vehicle registration
This all dates back more than three years ago. The SAO says on Feb. 1, 2021, Maracek struck a Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputy with his vehicle as he was attempting to evade a traffic stop in Hernando. The SAO says as Maracek attempted to get away, he threw tire spikes from his car window to stop the deputies from pursuing him.
The SAO says Maracek eventually got out of his Ford Expedition on South Washington St. in Beverly Hills and was caught by a K-9. When deputies attempted to arrest him, they say he “extensively” resisted arrest, striking and kicking deputies as well as the K-9.
The SAO says Maracek’s criminal history dates all the way back to Aug. 27, 2001, when he became a fugitive from Osceola County authorities after failing to appear for his trial on charges of law enforcement battery, resisting law enforcement, and leaving a crash scene.
Authorities say he was also wanted for a probation violation following his sentencing in May 2000 for armed burglary and theft charges in Broward County in January 1994.
His sentencing hearing is set for April 3, 2024.
“This verdict reiterates the commitment of law enforcement and the judicial system to uphold public safety and hold individuals accountable for criminal behavior,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Maracek will face the consequences of his actions as determined by the court.”