Thanks to a small group of conscientious witnesses, DeLand Police arrested two intoxicated men after they allegedly caused a disturbance in downtown DeLand Saturday afternoon. Several 911 calls reported a disturbance along Woodland Boulevard near Sunflower Park, where two men were running at pedestrians, yelling vulgarity, and generally causing alarm. When officers arrived, the men refused to identify themselves, were argumentative, and failed to comply with commands.

After the men were secured, witnesses told officers they had watched them lunge at passing individuals while holding a metal object and attempt to instigate fights. One witness said his disabled son became distraught from the obscenities, and another said the behavior prevented him from entering a nearby restaurant. No injuries were reported.

DeLand Police Chief Jason Umberger praised the witnesses for staying on scene and providing details to officers. "This is a great example of solid police work that results from an outstanding partnership we have with our downtown community," he said. "This is exactly why a strong police and community partnership is so important."

The men were identified as Brandon Lee Hall, 48, and Billy W. Compton, 53, both of DeLand. Each was charged with disorderly intoxication, obstructing an officer without violence, and giving a false name at the time of arrest. Both were booked into the Volusia County Jail.