Suspect tries to strangle deputy after escaping vehicle | Crime

Pasco County, Florida -- A routine transport to the Land O' Lakes Jail was almost deadly for a Pasco County Sheriff's deputy.

The sheriff's office says around 12:20 this morning, the deputy was transporting Osvaldo Flores to the jail when, at some point, Flores was able to get out of his handcuffs. He then reportedly kicked out the window as the deputy pulled over into a nearby 7-Eleven parking lot in the 6900 block of Little Road.

As the deputy parked the vehicle, Flores climbed out and charged the deputy. During the struggle, Flores put his handcuffs around the deputy's neck. 

That's when a citizen ran to help the deputy and they were able to fend off the attack until other units arrived on scene.

Flores, 32, now faces additional charges of escape and attempted murder of a law enforcement officer. He was originally arrested for a domestic violence injunction.

The deputy suffered lacerations and cuts to his face but was not seriously injured.