400-pound man knocks down deputy during drug investigation, authorities say

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — An Orange County deputy is recovering after getting into a scuffle with a 400-pound man during a drug investigation on Wednesday, authorities said.

The incident happened at a home on Volusia Drive near the intersection of Hoffner Avenue and Goldenrod Road.

Investigators said three plain-clothes deputies knocked on the door of a home where drug activity was suspected.

Authorities said the officers immediately identified themselves as deputies, but a man inside the home immediately pushed Deputy Al Matos, knocking him down.

Investigators said Matos, an eight-year veteran with the Sheriff's Office, fell and cut his arm. Initially, officials believed the deputy had been stabbed, but it was later determined he was not.

"It was scary because there were numerous individuals in the home," said Sheriff Jerry Demings.

Investigators said they found drugs and stacks of money in the home.

Darrell Roby was the only suspect who was arrested. He was charged with battery of a law enforcement officer.

Fourteen people in the home were detained but have since been released.

Channel 9's Jeff Deal asked one of the detained men what he was doing in the house.

"Minding my business like you should yours. Bye," the man responded.

Neighbors said they're not surprised about the drugs, saying they've seen all kinds of activity at the home and needles littering the street.

"(There is) constant traffic, drugs going in and out," said neighbor Amanda Detillion.

Authorities said they also believe other illegal activity was going on at the home.

The injured deputy was taken to Florida Hospital East to be treated.

Earlier this year, MBI agents arrested a young woman at the home and charged her with prostitution after she invited the undercover agents to the home.

Neighbors said they believe the prostitution was still going on at the home.

WFTV