MARTIN COUNTY FL March 24 2020 — A Martin County Fire Rescue firefighter was arrested after being accused last week of a violent encounter with a Jupiter police officer, according to affidavits.
Tyler Joseph Just was arrested March 17 on charges of battery on officer, firefighter, EMT and resist officer with violence after the incident in Jupiter in northern Palm Beach County, records show. March 17 was St. Patrick’s Day.
Just is a firefighter with Martin County Fire Rescue, according to Division Chief Rodney Robertson.
Robertson on Sunday said Just is on paid administrative leave after the incident, which affidavits state occurred on North A1A.
A Jupiter officer about 9:20 p.m. went to the area after a report of six to seven people fighting. Two men looked to be “grappling.” The officer took out an electric shocking device but didn’t point it at anyone.
A woman told police a man identified as Just had too much to drink.
The officer said Just “attacked” him, put him in a headlock and punched him in the face.
“I was in complete fear of this subject who is much younger, stronger and faster than me, as well as intoxicated, was going to overpower me,” an affidavit states.
The officer reported concerns Just could disarm him or that others present would help Just hurt the officer.
Still in the headlock, the officer hit Just several times, and they fell to the ground.
Another man, identified as a friend of Just, Joseph Rufino Alessio, is accused of interfering and grabbing the officer.
Police said Just punched the officer in the eye before the officer used an “elbow strike” to Just’s head to get him into custody.
Other officers forced Alessio down. Alessio was listed as being a firefighter, but that couldn’t be confirmed Sunday. Robertson said Alessio doesn’t work for Martin County Fire Rescue.
The addresses of Alessio and Just and their ages were redacted from affidavits. Jail booking photos for them also weren’t available.
Alessio was arrested on charges of battery on officer, firefighter, EMT and resist/obstruct officer without violence.
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