Palm Coast, FL - The Flagler County Sheriff's Office says an armed man tried to carjack a marked Sheriff's C.O.P. (Citizen Observer Patrol) vehicle in Palm Coast on Thursday.
Corporal Angela Camit was on patrol on Eric Dr. in Palm Coast when a man armed with a 20-inch knife tried to get into her C.O.P. vehicle. When he realized he couldn't get into the vehicle, the man, later identified as 32-year-old Stephen Goldberg, ran away. Camit followed Goldberg to Egan Dr., where he again ran towards her with the knife in hand. Deputies were called to the scene and the 32-year-old was taken into custody without incident.
“Had he approached a Sheriff’s deputy in this manner, it is likely that we would have had a different outcome,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Our C.O.P.s are invaluable volunteers who serve and help protect this community alongside our deputies. We will not tolerate anyone threatening harm to them or anyone else. He is a career repeat offender. I hope the courts keep him locked up and he is sent back to prison where he belongs before he hurts someone.”
Camit has been a C.O.P. for several years. In light of her experience, and Thursday's events, FCSO will reevaluate the equipment issued to C.O.P.s for their protection.
Goldberg, of 186 Eric Dr., Palm Coast, was arrested and charged with attempted armed carjacking, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and armed trespassing. He will be booked into the Flagler County Jail without bond.
According to FCSO, Goldberg has a prior arrest history in Flagler County that includes robbery with a deadly weapon, attempted burglary, trespassing, DUI, and several violations of probation charges. He was released from state prison in November 2008 after serving a sentence on a burglary charge.
(Goldberg's mugshot courtesy Arrests.org)
Photos courtesy FCSO. Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2018.
