Man needing a jump start tried to stop traffic with a red blanket before grabbing policeman's groin

A 36-year-old Florida man faces multiple charges after police found him in Tavares on Sunday morning trying to stop traffic with a red blanket.

James Harville was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. He remains in the Lake County Jail in lieu of $13,000 bond.



A Sheriff’s deputy said Harville was using the blanket to try to stop traffic because his car needed a jump start. The officer said he suspected the man was on drugs because he was acting jumpy and kept wandering into traffic.

Other deputies showed up, and Harville began fighting them, according to an arrest affidavit. He reportedly grabbed the first deputy’s groin, and officers used a Taser on him. Synthetic marijuana, traces of meth and a glass smoking device were found in the man’s car, according to the affidavit.