Duval County

Neptune Beach: Man claims to have COVID-19; Arrested after threatening to bite hotel employees, kicking police, report says

NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. — The Neptune Beach Police Department responded to an argument reported at the Red Roof Inn located at 1401 Atlantic Boulevard at 9:44 p.m. on Sunday.

Upon arrival, officers made contact with a witness who told them that a man was inside the hotel lobby threatening to bite employees, saying that he was infected with the COVID-19 virus, police say.

The witness told police that he asked the suspect to leave the hotel multiple times and the suspect refused.

Police made contact with the suspect, identified as Rasheed Akeem Burley, 30, who was screaming at the front desk while no one was present. The suspect was told to gather his things and step outside the property, police say.

Burley complied and walked out of the front of the hotel, but continued to act belligerent and verbally abusive towards officers and onlookers, according to Neptune Beach police. Burley was informed that he was trespassing on the property and can not return for a calendar year. Police say Burley subsequently gathered his things and walked across the street.

While completing paperwork, Burley continued to yell and scream from across the street. Soon after, he began to walk back onto the property of the Red Roof Inn. Burley was then arrested, police say.

A Neptune Beach police officer deployed his department-issued Taser into the Burley’s chest to gain compliance. Burley continued to refuse to comply with the demands given and kicked at officers, who then applied flex cuffs to his lower legs.

Police say it took four officers on scene using a reasonable amount of force to obtain control of Burley until Jacksonville Fire and Rescue responded. While being controlled on the ground, Burley allegedly continued screaming that he has COVID-19 and that the officers will have it now, too.

Once JFRD arrived on scene, police say Burley stopped resisting and went into a sleep-like state due to the apparent drugs he admitted he was on.

Burley was transported to UF Health of Jacksonville by Jacksonville Fire and Rescue.

According to the report, two plastic baggies with methamphetamine inside were placed into the property room as evidence.

Lindsey Nolen

Lindsey Nolen

Lindsey Nolen is a Digital Content Producer for Action News Jax