Felon arrested for aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer

Date: March 25, 2021 
Case #: 2021-002648

On Thursday, March 25, 2021, at approximately 10:07 AM, the Bradenton Police Department responded to a local hotel at 1839 14th St W, to investigate a trespass complaint. The first officer arrived on the scene and spoke with the victim, who pointed out the suspect and alleged: "he pulled a knife on me just now." The officer located the suspect, later identified as Charles William Mickel III, and immediately disarmed him. While investigating and speaking with witnesses, back-up officers arrived on the scene, at which point Mickel entered his vehicle and attempted to flee. Mickel reversed the vehicle and almost hit a back-up officer who had just arrived. He then drove forward, directly at the first officer, who, while retreating, was struck and thrown onto Mickel's vehicle. While on the vehicle's hood, the officer shot through the vehicle's windshield, hitting Mickel. The officer was thrown from Mickel's vehicle as he continued to flee the scene.

One minute later, Mickel drove back to the scene in his vehicle. At that time, officers re- approached him, and he surrendered and was taken into custody. Officers immediately began performing life-saving techniques until paramedics arrived and transported him to Blake Trauma Center for treatment of gunshot wounds. The officer involved was transported and treated at a local hospital for minor injuries sustained during the incident. The officer has been placed on an administrative assignment. The officer's information will not be released at this time as they are the victim of a crime and do not wish their information released due to Marsy's Law.

Charles William Mickel III, W/M, DOB 08/14/1979, was released from the Florida Department of Corrections on February 27, 2021, after serving a fifteen (15) year sentence for Robbery and Fleeing to Elude Law Enforcement.

Mickel is being charged with Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer with a Motor Vehicle and two (2) counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating this incident, as is the protocol for officer-involved shootings in the City of Bradenton. Further information will be released at a later time.