As the Heritage of Flight car show was ending, Deputy Brian Beller heard an extremely loud car revving its engine. He was northbound on Church street, and when he approached Lake, he saw the car eastbound on Lake at a speed estimated at 70-80 MPH. Beller activated his overhead lights and pursued the car. The driver turned into the storage facility, opened the gate and drove in. Beller followed and the gate closed.
The driver, identified as Steven Salyers, of DeGraff, slowly drove across the lot, then opened his car door. Beller told him to walk back to him, and Salyers started to put his hands in his pocket. Beller told him to keep his hands out and approached Salyers. Salyers kept saying that he was on private property and that Beller couldn’t do anything. As Beller approached him, he could smell an odor of alcohol coming from Salyers. Beller tried to get Salyers to go to the cruiser, but Salyers refused.
Beller told Salyers that he was under arrest and to put his hands behind his back. Salyers refused, saying that they were on private property and that the deputy couldn’t do anything.
Backup arrived, but could not get in because of the security gate. Beller continued trying to talk to Salyers and get voluntary compliance. He told Salyers several times that he was under arrest and to put his hands behind his back, but he refused. Salyers got more and more agitated and was raising his voice. He tried to pull away from Beller despite stern warnings to stop.
Beller told Salyers that he was “making things worse” and he didn’t” want to go down that path.”
Beller reported that his rapport with Salyers was rapidly deteriorating and he saw Salyers tensing up as if he were preparing for an assault. Beller drew his taser and again ordered Salyers to put his hands behind his back. Salyers just yelled “tase me” as he turned around and faced off with Beller.
The taser was fired and struck Salyers in the belly and he was cuffed. He continued to yell at the deputy.
Two deputies were finally able to enter the storage area, and Salyers began complaining of breathing issues, so a squad was called.
Salyers was transported to Springfield Regional Medical Center where a blood test and toxicology screen were performed. He had a BAC of .190 three hours after Beller’s first contact with him.
Salyers was charged with failure to comply, disregard of safety, loud exhaust, OVI, resisting arrest, obstructing official business and obstructing justice.
