A Florida man accused of fleeing a hit-and-run crash in Palm Beach County allegedly told police officers they had no authority to arrest him because, he claimed, he “worked for President Trump.”
According to a probable cause affidavit from the North Palm Beach Police Department, officers arrested David Michael Scarlott, 34, of North Palm Beach, late on October 19, 2025, after responding to his home following a crash in nearby Palm Beach Gardens.
During transport to the North Palm Beach Police Department, Scarlott allegedly banged his head against the rear door window and refused to answer questions. Police wrote that he boasted he didn’t have to cooperate because he “worked for the President of the United States.”
Scarlott allegedly taunted officers, saying, “Take these handcuffs off so I can wipe the floor with you,” and threatened that if they didn’t release him, they’d be “unemployed.”
Police said the incident began when officers were called to a hit-and-run involving a vehicle registered to Scarlott. When officers arrived at his residence on Huckleberry Lane, they found Scarlott sitting on his porch with fresh abrasions on his hands, legs, and knees and a “noticeable odor of alcohol.”
When officers asked about his car, Scarlott allegedly became combative and used racial slurs, yelling, “F—k you n—r get off my property,” while smoking a lit cigarette.
Once handcuffed, the abuse continued
The affidavit says he then stood up and pointed the cigarette inches from an officer’s face, forcing police to subdue him to prevent being burned.
While being handcuffed, Scarlott continued shouting threats, saying he would “beat [the officer] and [his] family” while calling the police “pigs.” His outburst disturbed nearby residents, according to the report.
Scarlott was taken into custody for resisting arrest without violence and assault on a law enforcement officer.
Once at the station, Scarlott demanded to speak with a supervisor. When a sergeant responded, the suspect reportedly screamed racial slurs and attempted to spit through his cell door, prompting additional charges.
Police later transported Scarlott to Palm Beach County Jail, where he was booked on multiple counts of resisting without violence, attempted battery on a law enforcement officer, and corruption by threat. He was also cited in connection with the earlier hit-and-run being investigated by Palm Beach Gardens Police.
Authorities said Scarlott requested medical treatment for minor injuries before being cleared for booking. Officers noted he was shirtless and wearing black shorts, boxers, and socks at the time of arrest.
