Inset: Fang Wang (Okaloosa Department of Corrections). Background: The area in Florida where Wang’s massage parlor is located (Google Maps).
A Florida woman, aged 55, found herself in legal trouble this week after reportedly trying to “evade” authorities by defecating in a trash can during her escape attempt.
Fang Wang was apprehended on Tuesday and now faces charges including battery on a public health department employee and resisting arrest without violence, according to court records. Additionally, she is accused of allowing an unlicensed individual to perform massage therapy.
The incident unfolded when two investigators from the Florida Department of Health arrived at Wang’s massage establishment, The Palms of Emerald Coast, for a “routine” inspection. The business is situated in the 100 block of Beal Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach.
Upon their arrival, the inspectors introduced themselves and explained the purpose of their visit. Wang allegedly became “extremely irate, combative, uncooperative, and argumentative,” the investigators reported to the police.
The probable cause affidavit elaborates that as the investigators began their compliance check, Wang allegedly pushed a female Department of Health investigator with both hands on her upper back and shoulders, impeding the investigator’s official duties.
The second health department official witnessed the alleged incident and promptly alerted law enforcement.
The inspector who witnessed the alleged battery provided a written statement to police saying Wang “attempted to forcefully move” the other inspector from a room attached to the reception area of the establishment, the entrance of which was covered by a “sheer curtain.”
The victim claimed Wang followed her into the room, grabbed her shoulders from behind, and pushed her forward. The inspector said Wang then told her in “an elevated loud voice to get out of her way.” After demanding that Wang not lay hands on her, the inspector called the Fort Walton Beach Police Department.
When officers reached the massage parlor, Wang continued to “verbally protest the presence of DOH investigators and law enforcement,” the affidavit says. That’s when Wang allegedly tried to flee.
“The Defendant, in an attempt to evade detention, pulled away from law enforcement and defecated in a trash can within the business,” police wrote.
Wang was booked into the Okaloosa Department of Corrections where she is currently being held without bond, records from the county department of corrections show. It was not immediately clear when she was next scheduled to appear in court.
