Port St. Lucie, FL — A 28-year-old Greenacres man, Francisco Custodio, was arrested on multiple felony charges after violently attacking family members and fleeing from police in a high-speed chase on Tuesday afternoon.
Port St. Lucie police responded to a domestic violence call at a residence on SW Baltic Street, where they discovered that Custodio had broken down the front door, attacked an adult family member, and struck a child in the head with a barstool.
According to neighbors, Alberto Flerine witnessed the assault and rushed to help. “I heard the mom scream, ‘Help,’ and that’s when I just went,” Flerine told WPTV. He managed to hold Custodio down for about seven minutes, despite suffering a fractured thumb in the process. Flerine’s quick thinking prevented further harm to the family.
As officers arrived at the scene, Custodio attempted to flee in a white Toyota, almost hitting Flerine in the process. “He backed up, tried to hit me right in front of the cop,” said Flerine. Custodio then sped off, accelerating toward an officer’s patrol SUV, narrowly avoiding a collision.
A police chase ensued, with Custodio crashing into a fence on SW Gettysburg Drive. After fleeing on foot for two blocks, he was ultimately subdued by officers using Tasers.
During the chase, Custodio caused damage to two mailboxes, one of which belonged to John Rankin. Rankin, who was fortunate not to be near the mailbox at the time, said he was thankful it was just property damage.
Earlier that day, Custodio had sent a threatening text to a family member, stating that he was going to kill them. Fortunately, his plan was thwarted by the quick actions of the family and neighbors.
Port St. Lucie Police Chief Leo Niemczyk commended Flerine for his bravery. “He did a fantastic job, and we are appreciative and grateful for that,” Niemczyk said.
Custodio is currently facing numerous charges, including:
Intimidation – Written Threats to Kill or Injure (domestic)
Burglary with an Assault or Battery
Aggravated Battery
2 counts of Aggravated Assault
Simple Battery (domestic)
Criminal Mischief (damage of $1,000 or more)
2 counts of Hit and Run Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Property Damage
Reckless Driving
Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding
Resisting an Officer without Violence
Custodio is currently being held in the St. Lucie County Jail with no bond.
