Man pulls deputy's beard, charged with OWI, Battery, Intimidation, Resisting

ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. -- Documents from Elkhart Superior Court 4 reveal 29-year-old Antoine DeBerry has been charged with Intimidation, a Level 6 Felony, Battery Against a Public Safety Official, a Level 6 Felony, Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, a Level 6 Felony, and Resisting Law Enforcement, a Misdemeanor, stemming from a traffic stop on Aug. 24.
DeBerry's first court hearing is set for Sept. 5.
The Elkhart County Sheriff's Office reports a deputy traveling south on Franklin Street around 2:08 a.m. on Aug. 24 when he witnessed a white 2017 Subaru Legacy, driven by DeBerry, disregard a lighted signal at the intersection of Bridge Street.
DeBerry was east on Bridge Street with a red light when he allegedly drove into the intersection and turned north onto Franklin Street.
The deputy then pulled DeBerry over on Franklin Street near 9th Street. Authorities say DeBerry pulled onto the curb when he stopped.
As the deputy exited his vehicle, DeBerry exited his, at which point authorities commanded him to return to his vehicle several times.
The deputy noted DeBerry was moving in a very slow and lethargic manner, and he had to be given further verbal commands before he comprehended what was said.
The report states as the deputy approached the vehicle, the front passenger door was opened followed by a hand reaching out and pouring an open container of tequila out.
The deputy observed DeBerry leaning across the passenger seat pouring the container out.
Authorities explained why he was pulled over, before asking him to exit the vehicle to perform standard field sobriety tests and a breath test.
The deputy noted DeBerry staggered as he stepped toward the patrol vehicle. At this time, a second deputy arrived to assist.
The report states DeBerry made three unsuccessful attempts to provide a breath sample.
DeBerry then began demanding he not be arrested at which point he started walking to his car. He was then stopped with his hands placed behind his back.
DeBerry then began pulling away as deputies commanded him to stop resisting. He was then taken facedown to the ground as authorities tried to restrain his hands.
The report states DeBerry then began pulling on one of the deputy's beards and twisting their vest. DeBerry was eventually cuffed and placed in the back of the patrol car.
A search warrant for DeBerry's blood was approved at which point staff at Elkhart General Hospital obtained a sample. DeBerry had to be held down while the sample was taken.
DeBerry accused one of the deputies of "acting tough" and further told the deputy he was going to "beat his a**" and that he'd "f*** him up no matter how long it took" because the deputy wasn't "s*** without his badge."