An off-duty deputy with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, James Harris, 23, was arrested after an armed confrontation outside Monroe's of Palm Beach, an adult club, on February 16. Arrest records show the altercation began when Harris confronted individuals leaning on his vehicle, escalating into violence.
CBS 12 reported that Harris allegedly pushed two men and then retrieved a handgun from his truck. Witnesses reported that an intoxicated Harris pointed the firearm at several people while claiming to be a PBSO deputy. Harris as saying, "I am Palm Beach Sheriff's Motherf******. Don't f*** with the cops."
Harris later told deputies he had been drinking and acted in self-defense after being attacked. He said he retrieved his firearm to protect himself and his girlfriend but denied pointing the weapon at anyone. Surveillance footage from the club partially supported witness accounts of his aggressive behavior, and Harris's Glock 43X was seized as evidence.
WPBF reports that Harris admitted to brandishing the weapon but maintained it was done in self-defense.
Although the victims chose not to press charges for assault, Harris was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail. He faces charges of improper exhibition of a firearm, a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida, which could result in a fine up to $1,000.
