Staff report
A Tampa man’s theft of two beers from a gas station led to his arrest on multiple felony charges after deputies discovered he was wanted on warrants for violent crimes in two states.
Eric Detiege, 51, was arrested Friday after stealing approximately $7 worth of beer from a Marathon gas station in Yulee and assaulting two store clerks who attempted to stop him, according to a recent release from the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office. Detiege also damaged the store’s front door during the incident.
When deputies located Detiege, he showed signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes and the smell of alcohol, and threatened one of the responding officers, according to the release.
The arrest revealed Detiege had outstanding warrants from Ohio for battery on a law enforcement officer, armed robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, and resisting an officer. He also faced a warrant from Jacksonville for exposure of sexual organs and has a history as a repeat theft offender, according to the release.
Detiege now faces charges of robbery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Nassau County.
“He may have stolen less than $7 worth of beer, but he’s facing a long list of serious charges that go well beyond what he stole—and time behind bars,” Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper said.
