By-Line: Joseph Bober, Public Information Office FCSO
On the evening of June 17, deputies responded to a residential burglary in progress on Renshaw Drive in Palm Coast. When deputies arrived, they found the victim had subdued the suspect on the floor of the living room by wrapping his arms and legs around the suspect’s body. Deputies separated the individuals and restrained the suspect, later identified as Joseph Palmese Jr., 34, of Palm Coast. While securing Palmese, deputies located a handgun in his pocket.
After interviewing the victim and two other witnesses inside the home, deputies determined the incident began when Palmese knocked on the front door and, as the victim opened it, Palmese lunged at him and pushed his way inside. During the struggle, the victim called out to others inside the home for help — one of whom called 911 while the other assisted the victim in subduing Palmese.
The victim told deputies that, while on the floor after the altercation, he recognized Palmese as an acquaintance. However, the victim stated that he had not initially recognized Palmese at the front door, had not invited him over, and did not know why he would be at his home.
When deputies interviewed Palmese, he told them that he was at the residence to confront the victim, whom he stated owed him money. Palmese claimed the victim had instead given him a coin set, watch, and ring as a means of payment, which Palmese intended to pawn. Palmese stated that he found out the items were not worth anything and went to the residence to retrieve his money and confront the victim.
After the investigation, deputies determined that Palmese had entered the residence illegally — while in possession of a firearm — and battered the homeowner. Deputies arrested Palmese for burglary with possession of a firearm and battery.
“Regardless of your reasons, you cannot enter someone’s home without their permission and fight them,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “This guy made a poor decision while armed with a gun. That was a recipe for disaster, and I’m glad it did not escalate to the point where anyone was seriously injured or killed.”
Joseph Palmese Jr. (Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility mugshot)
Palmese was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he is being held without bond.
