Three homeless men came to the aid of a deputy as a robbery suspect struggled to escape a McDonald's restaurant in Pompano Beach.
The Broward Sheriff's Office said Deputy Kevin Meyer was called to a McDonald's at 1350 NW 31st Ave. just after 8 a.m. Friday because a man had tried to steal another man's backpack.
The suspect, Patrick Davis, 28, of North Lauderdale, was still at the fast food eatery. BSO said he went toward the door with a metal object in his hand.
When Meyer tried to handcuff Davis, he arrested, BSO said. Meyer said the man reacted with "super strength," knocking off Meyer's glasses and radio microphone, according to investigators.
Meyer was wrestling Davis on the floor when Peter Finch and Jose Ramos, both of whom stay at a homeless shelter, stepped in to help, BSO said. Investigators said Finch grabbed Davis's feet, and Ramos helped hold him down. Another homeless man who was at the restaurant, Carmello Maldonade, offered to help, as well.
Another deputy arrived, and Davis was put into handcuffs. When he was put into the patrol car, BSO said, Davis kicked out a window and tried to escape.
Meyer had bruised ribs and other minor injuries. BSO said he was not seriously injured.
Davis faces charges of battery on a law enforcement officer, obstruction with violence, criminal mischief, depriving an officer of means of communication, attempted escape and robbery with a weapon.
BSO said Davis is being held without bond on those charges as well as previous cocaine-related charges.