Flagler County, Florida – An 18-year-old Palm Coast woman spat on a deputy and then licked the in-car camera while being transported in a patrol vehicle after she had already been arrested and placed in custody on Saturday evening.

Deputies responded around 7 p.m. to a report of a woman in distress who was also intoxicated. After assessing the situation, they determined Autumn Bellows met the criteria for involuntary protective custody and she was taken into custody for transport to a mental health facility.

During transport in the back of the patrol vehicle, Bellows became disruptive, kicking and striking her head against the partition. She also told the transporting deputy that she had escaped her handcuffs.

As deputies attempted to resecure her restraints, she resisted and spat on a deputy, with the spit landing on his face and hair.

She then licked the vehicle’s in-car camera during the incident.

She also stated during transport that she wanted to go to jail and wanted to be criminally charged. Deputies then secured her using handcuffs, a spit mask, and additional restraints.

Sheriff Rick Staly commented on the incident, saying: “If you batter a deputy sheriff, including spitting on them, which is disgusting and disrespectful, I can guarantee you a trip to the Green Roof Inn,” and added that she “wanted to go to jail, and she got her wish and earned herself a felony arrest.”

Bellows was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer.

She was taken to AdventHealth Palm Coast for medical clearance and then transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. She was later released on a $2,500 bond.

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