Richard Petkovsek, a Flagler County Sheriff’s detective who just weeks ago received the latest in a series of commendations during his five years with the sheriff’s office, was arrested on misdemeanor charges of disorderly intoxication and resisting arrest without violence outside a St. Augustine bar early this morning. The sheriff’s office then suspended him without pay, in accordance with agency policy.
The incident took place at the White Lion on Cuna Street in St. Augustine. A St. Augustine Police Department officer was patrolling in the area when, around 2 a.m., he was flagged down by White Lion staff and told by the manager that a man and a woman were refusing to leave, according to Petkovsek’s arrest report. The couple were upset they were not being let in the bar after last call, pointing out that a woman had gotten in just before them.
Petkovsek, according to the report, “was in the middle of a screaming match with the bouncer,” allegedly “yelling multiple obscenities at the bouncer and threatening him, causing a public disturbance.” The police officer asked Petkovsek to walk out with him, at which point Petkovsek told the bouncer: “You’re lucky.”
Once outside, the officer told Petkovsek that he would get a trespass warning for the bar, and asked for his identification. “No, I’m not giving you my ID, I’m leaving” Petkovsek said, according to the officer’s account. He then turned and began to walk away from the officer. The officer grabbed the detective’s left arm “which he quickly pulled away,” the officer reported. The officer again asked for Petkovsek’s ID, telling the officer not to touch him and slapping his hand. “I grabbed him by both arms and he began resisting me,” the officer reported, so another officer assisted. The two officers took Petkovsek to the ground, where he “kept pulling his arms away, refusing to cooperate.”
He then cooperated, and was identified.
This afternoon the sheriff’s office announced in a release that Petkovsek had been suspended without pay pending an internal affairs investigation. “It is Sheriff’s Office policy to immediately suspend any deputy without pay who is arrested,” Chief Mark Strobridge said. “Sheriff Staly has directed that an internal investigation be conducted and is very disappointed in his conduct as reported by the St. Augustine Police Department.” Strobridge oversees internal affairs investigations, but they are assigned to a detective.
A 2014 hire, Petkovsek drew considerable attention in January 2017 when he was among the first responders who dove into winter-cold pond water at I-95 and State Road 100 to save an Ormond Beach man who’d crashed his car into the pond. The car and the man had been submerged. Petkovsek that year was CrimeStoppers’ Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in Flagler. Last month he was among the recipients of a unit commendation, an award he also received in 2017, along with a Meritorious Service award.
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Val says
I’m glad this dirtbag got arrested flagler police think they are above the law. Palm coast has alot of dirty cops and something needs to be done about it.
Jimbo99 says
Alcohol abuse isn’t pretty at 2 AM.
Mike Ayers says
Well..That’s Flagler county Sherrifts Dept for ya!!(¿?)
All Mouth and Nothing to back it up with!! As Usual,,, Flaglers finest strikes Again!!!!
Steve says
Too much alcohol can turn the best of humanity into a mere drunken fool. He should know better and unfortunately needs to be terminated from his duties permanently.
Nenemalo says
Not a big deal. A two day suspension and a formal apology to the St. Augustine Sheriffs Department would more than suffice. Definitely not something to end his career and lose a highly dedicated asset over a minor altercation, that, I’m sure he’ll never repeat and as a learning experience, neither will his comrades. I don’t know him at all and my comment is totally unbiased.
Tough Guy says
I’m curious of who the accompanying female was? If it’s who I think it is, I guarantee that was the reason they were denied entry and that’s what upset him. I very highly doubt they had to arrest a man who was already leaving. It’s called my baton is bigger than yours. I hope he can get back to work and put this behind him.
Watchdog flagler says
As a newly formed law enforcement watchdog group we are going to request the body camera video of all officers involved as well as get a written statement from the bar staff. Staly will not bury this one.
Brian Goyétt-LaFountaine says
He could be an ***hole, but he does have a private life and a civilian side and good people sometimes do dumb things. Maybe once in their life, once every ten years… Who am I to decipher, but he was intoxicated (most of us have been at one time and let me add, many of us have perhaps ‘lucked’ out on an occasion like his, where things COULD have gone wrong for us as well, but we skipped by for whatever reason.) He wasn’t driving, he saved someone’s life. Obviously he has some good in him. Stop with this ‘Cancel Culture’. Everyone has become Armchair Police, Judge, Jury and Correctional Officer lately. Suspend him a couple weeks, make sure he doesn’t have a drinking problem, give him a warning and move on. If he is one of the ‘good ones’, don’t ruin his life. Before anyone assumes, I don’t know him and I no longer live in Palm Coast, I moved to West Virginia and Montréal, so I’m not blowing smoke. I’m trying to be forgiving like we were before Social Media and Politics ruined the world. Good luck to the officer, again, I hope he is one of the many good ones. I KNOW there are a few bad apples in the force, but hell, there is worse in the church, look what many priests do and they aren’t laying their lives on the line daily. So please lighten up and, Mr. / Sheriff Staly… If it was a fluke night out, let it go. If he is a good one and from what he did and the awards, don’t let social media and a few angry people that were kicked out of one too many sandboxes as a kid (Whom usually are now on HOA boards making people’s lives miserable, dictate the demise of this guys life. Someone who saved a life. We have ALL done embarrassing things, how many of us has saved a life?
Flatsflyer says
I guess my only question is why wasn’t he charged with assault on a police officer? Normally anyone who touches or even breathes in the direction of an LEO is so charged. Also can’t help to wonder if he was intoxicated, and would have been behind the wheel of his Department issued unmarked vehicle? The internal affairs investigation needs to be stopped and an outside agency needs to do the investigation.
Willy Boy says
Why would anyone want enter that dump?
Peaches McGee says
Wanna get drunk and act a fool? Stay home, it’s safer and cheaper.
C’mon man says
I’ve known Petko for many years. Good guy who unfortunately made a bad decision that night. I know many people will want him fired, however there are other forms of punishment to be explored. Loss of pay, expense of court costs and possibility of having this on a criminal record have already started.
Richard says
This should be a lesson for ALL, no one is above the law! You break the law, you will be held accountable but not necessarily with appropriate consequences.
Shark says
He will get a slap on the the wrist and continue with the sheriff department until he kills someone while driving under the influence!!!
Dennis says
Did this guy have his service weapon or a personal weapon on him? If so, that opens up another can of worms I notice that was not addressed here. I wonder why?
Traveling Rep says
What a ding bat!!! a hundred bucks says the SAPD would have let him go (had he not resisted), once they knew he was a Flagler deputy. He volunteered for the position he’s put himself in.
Andy says
Gee, he was out on the town living it up a little, yea too much to drink never good. I dont think this should effect his job in palm coast, since while working been doing a great job here.
Steve says
Oh no big deal. So if it were me or you do you think an apology would suffice. He should be held to a higher standard. That means court Judges JUST like anyone else. And up to and including termination. SMH
Steve says
Disagree failure to obey Officer, license etc. Had to have two LEOs restrain and cuff etc. Let him go thru the Court system and his employers procrss luke anyone else. No out of jail free card
High Road says
No one forced the alcohol into his body. No one was forcing him to attempt to consume even more after last call. No one was forcing him to act a fool with another uniformed officer doing their job.
No, I say send him packing. If he’s truly serious about his occupation and remorseful, he can make right by bending over backwards to make amends here, then look for law enforcement work elsewhere in some Tinytown USA.
He swore an oath and accepted the badge. They are held to a higher moral and ethical standard ALWAYS.
Resident says
I don’t know any of the parties involved, but I totally agree.
Shark says
If it was with a real police department he would lose his job no matter how many awards he got. Luckily he got arrested and wasn’t allowed to drive down the highway and kill someone. Did he have an unmarked police car when he was arrested????
Shark says
What planet do you live on. Are you saying he can do anything he wants as long as it’s not in Palm Coast?
Elaine says
Me too
FlaglerBear says
It is said that three of the worst killers of a police career are: Sex, alcohol, and money. The forth to a lesser extent unfortunately is drug abuse. This incident illustrates item two. Detective Petkovsek is lucky. He could have been charged with “battery on a law enforcement officer” for slapping the St. Augustine’s hand away, which is a serious felony. A civilian most likely would have. I’m sure his internal review will be looking at that. He’s got a long road ahead, even if the Sheriff does decide to “cut him a break”, contingent upon a favorable outcome of his court case, he still has to deal with the FDLE Police Standards Board. He could have his police “license” suspended or cancelled. Sucks to be him right now. Hope those drinks were worth it….Wish him the very best. (Most) Everyone deserves a second chance.
Outside Looking Out says
That’s a good question Dennis. I was wondering the same thing. I don’t know of many LEOs that aren’t armed at all times. I imagine this was “swept under the rug” as many crimes of LEOs are. A civilian would have been “swept under the jail”!
palmcoaster says
Officer Petrovsek needs AA, rehab, reprimand and maybe even some financial retribution for his behavior under the influence. Once all is completed he needs another chance to prove society that he can continue serving in law enforcement under strict conditions and oversight during probation time. If all goes well then he should be vindicated and go back to work in normal conditions. Maybe a candidate to get counseling from Pastor Silano and a path to redemption as after all we are all imperfect humans and our law enforcement, firemen, emergency service and hospice personnel are exposed to a great deal of stress day in and day out. Probably a job that no most of us would be willing to do…
Lamo says
Make it public…
Lamo says
Very true.
Val says
I totally agree if this was anyone else we would be under the jail.
Val says
The bottom line no special treatment should be allowed.
Val says
Being hammered and having your service weapon, or personal such as ccw permit would be an extra charge.
Concerned Citizen says
You just watch how this agency will play this out. The color of this deputies skin will determine his “punishment”.
Pete Says says
I totally agree with you. Suspend him for a month even but don’t end a man’s career over something like that. People who pass judgement here, have skeletons in their closet that fuel their hypocrisy…
Gwen says
Love it!
LawAbidingCitizen says
THIS IS NO NON ISSUE. AS A FORMAL LEO, WE KNOW THAT IF WE PLAN ON CONSUMING ALCOHOL, WE DO NOT CARRY OUR DUTY WEAPON OR OFF DUTY WEAPON. YOU GUYS ARE GRASPING AT STRAWS TRYING TO DRAG THIS DEPUTY THROUGH THE DIRT. HE MESSED UP FOR SURE, WHY TRY AND MAKE IT WORSE. NOTHING WAS SWEPT UNDER THE RUG, THE MAN WAS ARRESTED.
LawAbidingCitizen says
RACE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE OUTCOME. WHITE DEPUTIES HAVE BEEN FIRED FROM THIS AGENCY IN THE PAST AS WELL. AGAIN, GRASPING AT STRAWS. THIS DEPUTY MADE A MISTAKE, THERE WAS NO VICTIM, HE WASNT DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED, HE IS GUILTY OF BEING DRUNK IN PUBLIC, AND WILL PAY THE PRICE FOR WHAT HE DID. BLACK, WHITE, PURPLE, MEANS NOTHING IN THIS SITUATION.
LawAbidingCitizen says
HOW DO YOU KNOW HE WAS GOING TO DRIVE HOME THAT NIGHT. MAYBE HE HAD A DESIGNATED DRIVER WITH HIM
MAYBE HE WAS GOING TO TAKE AN UBER.
MAYBE HE WAS GOING TO RENT A HOTEL ROOM.
YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE PLAN WAS, SO WHY TRY AND INSINUATE WHAT HE WAS “GOING TO DO”
THIS IS A REAL SHERIFF’S OFFICE, AND HE IS ALREADY SUSPENDED PENDING INVESTIGATION, SO WHY WOULD THIS NOT BE A REAL DEPARTMENT. POLICY FOR SUCH MATTER DICTATES WHAT SHOULD BE DONE. AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT IS BEING DONE.
Former Resident says
Agreed. The color of his skin surely was also a factor that saved him from being tased, beat, or shot (which would have been justified). Staly will most certainly give a slap on the wrist.
Bill says
Best thoughts on this hands down.
Mikehancho555 says
Then why no assualt and battery on a Leo? A felony charge which I have seen other’s lives ruined for simply slapping a hand away.
CB from PC says
This arrest smears the professional rank and file Deputies. Unless he is terminated, it shows a double standard. These are not fraternity antics. The St. Augustine police showed great restraint when he slapped the hand (battery) and resisted arrest. John Q. Public would have been pummeled, gone to the Emergency Room, and after cleared for release, off to jail.
After bonding on felony charges, John Q. would have the expense of an Attorney, a strict condition of release limiting what and where his activities would be.
Then all the uncertainty of outcome, be it a trial or plea deal.
As far as excuses which some are making, such as stress of the job, etc., this person chose the job, just as he chose to get loaded and create his mess.
If you cannot uphold the higher standard and do the job as a professional, change careers.
I am sure there are qualified candidates who would better understand the seriousness of this job, both on and off duty.
WAKEUPAMERICA says
Ok the guy made a big mistake. It happens. Everyone has a bad day. Being a police officer he should be held to a higher standard. But to lose his job over this is going overboard. A couple of weeks suspension without pay and follow up on his alcohol use would be a great start. Just wondering how many people here have had an issue like DUI or similar situations and lost there job?
Stephen Verrier says
Correct me if I’m wrong, but FL is not a stop and ID state. So what crime was he commiting that would warrant mandatory ID presentation? Wasn’t he just exercising his rights?
David Schaefer says
Flagler Counties Finest ?????????????????
Alfie D says
Demotion, mandatory alcohol abuse counseling, mandatory anger management counseling, 6mo suspension without pay, then if no further incidents…back on the job.
Val says
Your missing the point anyone else would be charged with resisting arrest and assault on Leo. So my question is what in the worl are you talking about
vikki hardley says
He is not a dirtbag nor a dirty cop. He was a citizen who apparently had way to much to drink and let his big mouth get in the way. Sad excuse of behavior and judgement but still drunk behavior. embarassed and it reflects poorly on him and in the light of day he is embarassed and humiliated. No reason to ruin a mans career.
If it becomes a habit of behavior then yes, take action but for now a written warning in his file seems sufficient.
Dave says
Sorry but this is a one and done situation. This low life has no right putting on a badge and representing what should be a positive force in this country but is slandered by bad people like this dirtbag. I hope he never works in police work or in this County again.
`Carl says
I was charged with battery on a LEO and I never touched them , they lied through their teeth about everything and that officer had a bunch of false arrests filed with Bradycop .com, I also heard their neighbors called them the Bulldog for beating the hell out of their spouse in their driveway, I`d never been arrested before and all I did was a rolling stop at a stop sign,I don`t drink and haven`t for 34 yrs, plus I`m disabled , I`d just spent all day at Mayo Clinic up in Jax with my G/F who had cancer , spent everyday there for 6 months I took care of her from day one ,but the officer had no sympathy at all about that , lied about being touched ,lied about my driving , like I`d actually have a tug of war over a ticket book , pure BS .. Judge Stens asked me why in the world I was there, I had no arrest record , not even any tickets, after spending the night in a cell with the worst criminals the jail housed, never had my rights read to me , never got my phone call, I told the Judge I would never hit a LEO , that I`ve been friends with many on force for yrs , I had no idea why the officer was lying , she shook her head in disgust and waived the 5000 bond, released me on my own recognizance, But my public defender was absolutely no help at all , I freakin put a car out that was on fire at the gas pump at Victoria Plaza , the cars owner ran away , the gas station attendant ran away, I had to hunt for fire extinguisher , finally found it behind newspaper rack , ran out and put the flames under gas tank of the car then along under carriage , then in engine compartment , choking on the powder from extinguisher….I was also written up in paper for returning a child`s electric wheelchair and another time for returning a very expensive piece of jewelry I found , but no one will remember those things about me , just this false arrest by a very dishonest deputy .