Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Danny Taylor Tate, 30, of Cottondale, Florida, was arrested last night on allegations of disorderly intoxication, child neglect, battery on a paramedic and resisting an officer with violence.
At approximately 8:56 p.m. on September 12, University of Florida Police Department officers were called to Emerson Hall at 1938 W. University Avenue. A passerby had stopped an officer to report concerns about a young child who was with a man who appeared to be intoxicated.
According to an officer’s report, Tate was wearing only a watch, chain, shoes and boxers. He was pacing and speaking loudly, while his six-year-old son sat on the ground and talked with paramedics.
Two officers and two paramedics reportedly attempted to calm Tate. They reached his cousin by phone, and the cousin began traveling to the scene to pick up Tate and his son and take them home safely.
The officer reported that Tate repeatedly shifted between calm and agitated behavior. He became more upset when officers asked him to put his pants back on. The officer also said Tate’s son was crying and appeared visibly frightened.
Tate allegedly shouted at officers to tase him and arrest him. He also reportedly told them, “I can take you,” and said, “I’m just trying to give him a fun weekend.”
At one point, Tate allegedly assumed a “football” stance before lunging at and tackling a paramedic.
Two officers and the second paramedic reportedly pulled Tate away from the paramedic. Tate allegedly stiffened and resisted as they did so. When officers placed him in a patrol vehicle, he reportedly tried to pull away. During the trip to jail, Tate allegedly threatened to “see [the officer] tomorrow” and “beat [the officer] up,” wished the officer a terrible life and made comments about the officer’s wife. Once at the jail, he reportedly began striking his head against the patrol vehicle’s cage.
A search of Tate’s pants reportedly uncovered a vape pen. Officers also found a medical marijuana card in his wallet, but the vape pen was not labeled as prescription marijuana.
After being read his Miranda rights, Tate reportedly said the officer knew what the vape pen was.
Tate’s son was released to his cousin. The officer said a report would be submitted to the Florida Department of Children and Families. The officer also reported that Tate appeared more concerned about his job and the possibility that his ex-wife could seek custody than about his son’s welfare.
Tate has been charged with battery on a paramedic, child neglect without great bodily harm, resisting an officer with violence, and disorderly intoxication. His criminal history is unavailable because those documents are not posted on weekends. Judge Mitchell Bishop set bail at $6,000.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
