Man fights with deputies, is arrested on drug charges

Key Largo – A New Jersey man stopped for riding his bike erratically in Key Largo early today was arrested after he ran from deputies, fought them and was found to possess drugs.

Deputy Matthew O’Neill was on patrol at the 100 mile marker at 1:20 a.m. when he spotted 23 year old Richard Scrivani riding his bike in the middle of the highway. As the deputy watched, Scrivani rode southbound in the northbound lanes, swerving back and forth, and he had no lights on his bicycle.

Using his overhead lights, the deputy stopped Scrivani and asked what he was doing. Scrivani was vague in his responses. He said he had been “hanging out” at Publix with friends. He could not explain why he would be handing out at a closed business, nor could he give any of his friend’s names. He told Deputy O’Neill his own name was Russell Coopper and said he was from New York. He said he had no identification with him.

When Deputy O’Neill told him he was going to do a pat down search for officer safety reasons, Scrivani fled on foot with the deputy running after him.  The deputy called on the radio for back up. At one point Scrivani tripped and fell. Deputy O’Neill ordered him at Taser point to stay on the ground. When Scrivani got up , Deputy O’Neill deployed the taser. Unfortunately, because he was wearing a jacket the taser was not effective. Scrivani again began running, but Deputy O’Neill tackled him and they fought. Sgt. E.B. Askins arrived on the scene as back up and the two deputies were able to subdue Scrivani.

A driver’s license with his real name was found in his possession. A check on the name revealed a warrant out of New Jersey for drug related charges. A cigarette pack in his pocket was found to contain Oxycodone, Xanax, crack cocaine and a small metal pipe.

Scrivani later admitted to smoking crack cocaine just 10 minutes before his encounter with the deputy.

He was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, giving a false name to a law enforcement officer, possession of cocaine, drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. He was also charged with the outstanding New Jersey warrant. He was booked into jail.