On January 4, just before midnight, Deputy Christopher Murphy was conducting patrols in the W-Section of Palm Coast when he observed a male, later identified as Michael McDermott, 38, on the sidewalk alongside Pine Lakes Parkway standing next to a bicycle on the ground. Deputy Murphy attempted contact with McDermott, but McDermott picked up the bike and began to ride away.
Deputy Murphy activated his emergency lights and attempted a traffic stop on McDermott. McDermott appeared to comply, slowing down enough for Deputy Murphy to stop and exit his car, only to then pedal quickly way and, turning onto Westminster Drive.
Deputy Murphy got back into his patrol vehicle and attempted to catch up with McDermott. As Deputy Murphy turned onto Westminster Drive, he observed McDermott pulling a firearm out of his pants. Dep. Murphy, fearing that McDermott would engage him with the firearm, struck McDermott with his vehicle, ejecting him from the bicycle and causing him to drop the firearm…