Brooksville man charged with battery on law enforcement

BROOKSVILLE — Authorities shot a 65-year-old Brooksville man with a stun gun Thursday after he resisted officers and tried to grab one of their handguns and a radio, police said.

Brooksville police received a report of a suspicious incident and arrived at 10 Natelle Ave., where they found furniture thrown out the front door and Craig Keathley seated in a chair in the driveway.

After a brief discussion, deputies asked Keathley to place his hands behind his back. A struggle ensued and Keathley tried to take an officer’s handgun and radio, a police report says.

As the altercation continued, Keathley managed to get the radio. After repeatedly warning Keathley, police officers used a stun gun and Keathley became compliant.

Later investigation revealed Keathley had set fires inside the home, which does not belong to him. A records check showed he had an open warrant in Pasco County for battery on a law enforcement officer.

Keathley was arrested and taken to the Hernando County Jail. He was charged with arson, battery on a law enforcement officer, and obstructing police and depriving them of means of communication.

Bail was set at $35,000, plus $2,500 for the Pasco warrant.