Man With Rifle At His Feet Arrested By Winter Haven Police

WINTER HAVEN, FL — Winter Haven Police have released the name of a 40-year-old man who was arrested after officers said he stood in the middle of the street with a rifle at his feet. This happened in the 1600 block of 16th Street NE before noon on April 28.

A press release says that George Nerio displayed erratic behavior that included saluting people as they drove by, walking in a military-style march and handling the gun like it was part of a drill activity. When police arrived on the scene, Nerio pointed the gun toward officers. Police told him to release the gun, and he complied. However, he would not step away from the gun.

After an hour of trying to get him to move away from the gun, they deployed a K-9 who knocked him to the ground said police. None of the officers were injured. Nerio was treated for dog bite injuries and then taken to the Polk County Jail.

Police say that the gun in Nerio's possession was listed as stolen.

"I am extremely proud of how our officers approached this scenario and ensured every measure was taken for the best outcome, which is getting this guy back behind bars and no officers or members of the public being injured," said Public Safety Director Charlie Bird.

A press release reports that Nerio, who is a convicted felon has been charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, grand theft of a firearm, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest without violence.