2 in custody after attack on Flagler deputy leads to standoff near Palm Coast

Forsythe Lane reopens after incident

Robert Detherow, 55, and Kaleb Smith, 23 (Flagler County Sheriff's Office)

FLAGLER COUTY, Fla. – A Flagler County deputy was attacked Wednesday morning, leading to an hours-long standoff on Forsythe Lane near Palm Coast, according to the sheriff.

Sheriff Rick Staly said deputies were responding to a “suspicious incident.” When deputies arrived, they said they found chairs, a table, a blanket and a burning candle in the middle of the street.

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Deputies said they also encountered Robert Detherow, 55, who exposed himself to the deputies and then began throwing bottles at them before retreating inside his home.

Forsythe Lane was closed in both directions and people in the area were told to shelter in place.

The SWAT team and negotiators also responded to the scene.

During the standoff, investigators said they discovered videos Detherow had posted online that alluded to “suicide by cop.”

Eventually, deputies breached the home. Another man — Kaleb Smith, 23 — who was also inside the home then exited and was arrested when he would not respond to deputies commands, according to a news release.

Detherow also eventually left the home and was taken into custody after a struggle.

Deputies said they found seven guns and ammunition inside the house after the arrests.

Detherow faces charges of exposure of sexual organs, two counts of assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting without violence and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.

Smith faces a charge of resisting an officer without violence.

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About the Author

Thomas Mates is a Streaming Executive Producer for News 6 and ClickOrlando.com. He also produces the podcast Florida Foodie. Thomas is originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania and worked in Portland, Oregon before moving to Central Florida in August 2018. He graduated from Temple University with a degree in Journalism in 2010.

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