LAUDERDALE-BY-THE-SEA, Fla. – Families on the beach near Fort Lauderdale thought they were seeing a man being rescued from rip currents, but it turned out that he was being arrested in the ocean for armed robbery.
Recommended Videos
Felix Orco was sitting on the sand with his wife, and grabbed his cellphone when he saw what he thought was a rescue on the water.
Orco even posted on social media, “I want to congratulate the Broward Sheriff for the incredible rescue at Commercial Blvd beach. Their bravery and quick action are a testament to the commitment that makes Florida a safe and thriving place.”
But this was no rescue.
According to Broward Sheriff’s deputies, Rafael Agne, 40, swam up to a man who was diving in the ocean off Fort Lauderdale Beach on Saturday.
The victim says Agne was “completely naked and stated to the victim that he needed gear.”
The victim says he tried to swim away from Agne, but thought he saw Agne struggling in the water and swam back to help.
That’s when the victim says Agne grabbed his dive flag and forcefully took his pole spear.
The victim said he was able to get his flag back, but then Agne “raised the pole spear over his head, prongs pointing toward the victim, in a manner consistent with getting ready to throw said spear.”
The arrest affidavit went on to say that “this act, coupled with the apparent ability to throw the spear at the victim being such a short distance away from each other, created a well-found fear in the victim that violence was imminent.”
Deputies responded to the commotion and say Agne was still holding the spear when they pulled him from the water.
During questioning, Agne claimed that he took the spear because he needed it to fish, but that he never threatened the victim.
Agne was arrested and charged with robbery with a firearm and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
He remains behind bars at the Broward County jail.