PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Newly released body camera footage shows what happened when a Kentucky man who had just won the $167.3 million Powerball jackpot was arrested after a confrontation with Pinellas County deputies in April.
James Farthing, 50, of Georgetown, Kentucky, was involved in a fight with another man at the Island Grand at Tradewinds on April 29, WFLA reports. Body camera video shows a deputy rushing in to separate the two men, restraining the other combatant.
Farthing attempted to kick the other man, but struck the deputy in the face instead, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said.
“Are you kidding me?!” the deputy shouted as Tradewinds staff moved Farthing away.
The deputy then handcuffed the other combatant, who was not charged, and ordered Farthing to face the wall.
“Put your hands behind your back, and get against the f*****g wall!” the deputy said.
Video shows Farthing initially complying before stumbling, then attempting to run from deputies. His escape was short-lived as one deputy deployed a TASER while another tackled him to the ground.
“I’m sorry!” Farthing said after being restrained.
Farthing, who won the jackpot on April 28 and split the prize with his mother, was charged with resisting an officer without violence, battery on a law enforcement officer battery, and parole violation. His girlfriend, Jacqueline Fightmaster, 42, was charged with disorderly intoxication.
Court records show Farthing pleaded not guilty.
