Benjamin Murray Brittle, a 59-year-old resident of 3853 County Road 2006, near Bull Creek campground in west Flagler, was briefly booked at the Flagler County jail over the weekend on a first-degree felony charge of kidnapping, two third-degree felony charges and two out-of-county warrants for misdemeanors. He was released 36 hours later on $17,000 bond.
The felony charges are all related to a domestic violence incident involving Brittle and how now-ex-girlfriend. The incident took place Saturday (May 15). By the time a Flagler County Sheriff’s deputy met the alleged victim, she was “visibly upset, was crying, and had blood on her clothes, legs and hands,” according to a sheriff’s report. The woman requested paramedics to treat her wounds but declined to be transported to the hospital, against medical advice.
She told deputies that she had been moving out of Brittle’s RV on County Road 2006 so she could move in with her daughter in Jacksonville. The couple had dated for about five years. But once Brittle had driven her there, she said he threw her things in front of her daughter’s house while she herself proved unable to get out of the 1996 Ford pick-up truck.
Brittle got back in the truck, drove a short distance, then attempted to “forcefully pull” the woman out of the truck, according to his arrest report. The woman cut her hand while holding on to the door. She said she did not step out, fearful that he would beat her if she did. But he then proceeded to drive back onto I-95 with the woman in the truck, allegedly punching her and holding her down in the seat several times. The woman was able to call her daughter to tel her know what was taking place. Her daughter called authorities in Flagler.
Brittle told authorities that he had been drinking and was drunk as he drove his ex to her daughter’s house. Once there, he said, she would not get out of the truck. So he drove back to Bunnell. But he denied harming her. They were getting out of the truck in Bunnell when deputies arrived. Deputies noticed blood on Brittle’s pants as well. He was charged with false imprisonment and felony battery in addition to the kidnapping charge.
Brittle has a June 2000 conviction on charges of aggravated battery and felony battery, in Duval County, and an October 2005 conviction for felony battery. He also faced a pair of out-of-county misdemeanor warrants, one from Putnam County and one from St. Johns. He was ordered to have no contact with the victim and to surrender all firearms
John Sowell says
Glad to see the headline read “west Flagler resident” rather than Bunnell resident. Although West Flagler has a Bunnell address it is not the City of Bunnell. Oftentimes negative news stories indicate “Bunnell resident” without making the distinction
Gerald Jacobs says
Wellsaid John.
Trailer Bob says
There are crazy morons everywhere, not just in the Mondex.
But finances and educational levels do seem to come onto play.
I live in the Mondex by choice. I could never get far enough away from living in Palm Coast.
I am retired and do not need people telling me what color my house should be or where to park my vehicles at night.
Have a nice day!
Trailer Bob says
To clarify, I am a retired Certified Financial Planner (CFP), but now run a trailer rental and hauling business to keep busy. THAT was my wifes idea, as she is still running her own Graphic Design business. So yes…we also live in the Mondex and live it here.
danm50 says
Flagrantly Flagler. I suggest maybe a trip to Harry Potter [email protected] Disney where Mr Benjamin Brittle could relax with some ButterBeer. All the bestBB
ASF says
Anybody really trust this guy to obey the “no firearms” order? Most Domestic Users are Narcissists and into control. They don’t figure they have to obey the law since the law is only out there to serve them when THEY need (and attempt to exploit) it. Otherwise, they just move around it. This is why DV victims know they are in the greatest amount of danger when they actually try to leave the situation.