Hardimon
A 25-year-old Boynton Beach man suspected of selling heroin was arrested Monday after he allegedly led Delray Beach police on a foot chase along North Federal Highway.
Police say Willie James Hardimon IV pushed an officer into traffic while trying to escape. A police dog later tracked him down as he hid in bushes. He faces charges of battery on an officer, resisting without violence and tampering with evidence.
Hardimon was released from the Palm Beach County Jail on Tuesday after posting 4,500 bail.
The scene unfolded at about 12:30 p.m. Monday on North Federal north of George Bush Boulevard, according to a police arrest report made public Tuesday. Police were called to the Gunther Volkswagen dealership after an employee reported someone there was trying to sell heroin.
An officer saw a person walking on Federal who matched the suspect’s description. The man, later identified as Hardimon, ran after spotting the officer, police said. The officer ran after him, and they scuffled near the Goodwill store when the officer tried to take Hardimon into custody.
At one point, Hardimon broke free while pushing the officer into traffic. During the chase, he reached into his pocket and threw something onto the street, police said.
Hardimon allegedly told officers later that he ran because he had marijuana on him. He denied having any heroin, the report said.
Officers took Hardimon to a hospital to be treated for a dog bite he sustained while officers were searching for him. During that ride, he spontaneously uttered, “I’m on Xanax. This (stuff) messes with me,” said the report, referring to the drug prescribed for panic and anxiety disorders.
