Florida man used bible to attack a deputy because ‘God told him to,’ cops say
A burglary call turned chaotic late last month, when a suspect used an unusual weapon, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
According to a police report, deputies responding to a burglary call Sept. 22 outside a Summerfield home in Central Florida made contact with a suspect later identified as Robert Hoskins, who confronted officers in an “aggressive manner.”
The Florida man, wearing only underwear, began yelling, “I commend you!” while wielding a bible.
Hoskins began ranting and citing more bible verses, then threw the holy book at a deputy, hitting the officer in the face. The 39-year-old was then tased, handcuffed and taken into custody.
When asked why he broke into the home, Hoskins told authorities “Because God told me to,” the police report says.
“You can’t make this up,” said Sgt. Paul Bloom during a broadcast of “Marion Rundown,” a Facebook show that informs the public of the agency’s most recent arrests. “[Once in jail,] he had his come to Jesus moment.”
Hoskins faces charges of burglary to an unoccupied dwelling, petit theft, criminal mischief, property damage, battery on an officer and resisting an officer without violence.
