A welfare check off a Florida highway erupted into chaos when a man fired a flare gun at a deputy, stripped to his underwear, and tossed cash—sparking a surreal pre‑dawn showdown and arrest.
At a Glance
- Around 4:20 a.m. on July 8, 2025, on Highway 19 in Marion County, Florida
- Deputy Mingus stopped to check on 44‑year‑old Jacob Daniel Caldwell
- Caldwell fired a flare gun at the deputy’s patrol vehicle, then removed his pants and scattered money
- Deputy deployed Taser twice; Caldwell resisted by pulling out the probes before being subdued
- Caldwell, a convicted felon, now faces charges including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and firing a missile into a vehicle, with no injuries reported
Highway Horror Show
During what began as a routine welfare check, Deputy Mingus spotted Caldwell walking along Highway 19 just before dawn. As per the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Caldwell suddenly fired a flare gun at the patrol cruiser, creating a flash and triggering alarms. When the deputy ordered him to calm down, Caldwell stripped off his pants and proceeded to toss currency toward law enforcement officers—displaying bizarre, erratic behavior before refusing all orders to comply (KOMO).
With commands ignored, the deputy deployed a Taser, but Caldwell responded by pulling out the probes and continuing to resist. A second Taser shock finally brought him to the ground and allowed officers to secure him without further incident .
Watch a report: Pantless man shoots flare gun at deputy – YouTube
Charges and Aftermath
Caldwell was booked into Marion County Jail on several felony charges, including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of a weapon/ammunition by a felon, firing a missile into a vehicle, and resisting arrest without violence. Authorities confirmed no one was injured during the incident (KOMO, YouTube).
The bizarre scene—flare gun fired, underwear-only defiance, and money raining down—has quickly become a talking point among law enforcement communities. Officials say the incident underscores how routine welfare checks can escalate unpredictably when mental health or instability are factors.
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