Powerball: James Farthing wins $US167m and is arrested for assaulting police during Florida celebrations
Celebrations following a monster Powerball jackpot win have been cut short after a couple were arrested for assaulting police and drunk and disorderly behaviour at a resort.
Three days earlier, James Farthing was pictured with his partner Jaqueline Fightmaster at Powerball headquarters accepting a novelty cheque for the massive sum of around $US167 million ($A260m), after he purchased the winning entry.
Police in Pinellas County Florida, were alerted to an incident and subsequently arrested Farthing, who allegedly kicked a deputy during a fight following confirmation of his massive windfall.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.
The County Sheriff’s Office said 50-year-old Farthing was charged with felony battery on a law enforcement officer, as well as misdemeanor charges of resisting an officer without violence and simple battery.
According to an arrest affidavit filed in Pinellas County Circuit Court, Farthing was involved in a fight with another guest at the TradeWinds Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida.
The police reports state that when a deputy attempted to break up the altercation, Farthing kicked the deputy in the face.
The party came to a screeching halt for Farthing who, was ordered by police to turn around and place his hands behind his back, but instead, he refused and attempted to run out of the hotel.
Farthing is also accused of punching a victim in the face during the argument before Deputies arrested him and his girlfriend, the aptly named Jaqueline Fightmaster, who was charged with disorderly intoxication.
