Date: September 8, 2026
Prepared by: Joseph Bober, Public Information Officer
Email: PIO@flaglersheriff.com
Release #: 2026 – 188
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies made 18 arrests over Labor Day weekend between 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, and 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. Deputies handled 1,160 calls for service and made 274 traffic stops over the long holiday weekend.
‘Neighbor from Hell’ Arrested After Trying to Break Through Wall into Victim’s Home
On Sunday, deputies arrested Charles Bowden, 58, of Palm Coast, on multiple charges after he created a hole in his neighbor’s wall and made numerous threats.
Early Sunday morning, deputies responded to a duplex in the B-Section of Palm Coast after the victim reported Bowden was actively breaking through the wall between the units. According to the victim, Bowden was breaking through the wall using a hammer and power tools while making threats toward the victim.
When deputies arrived, the victim shared an audio recording of the incident, in which Bowden could be heard laughing, calling the victim names, and yelling threats, such as “I’m going to be crawling through the walls and figure out ways to make your life hell.” Deputies could also hear hammering and a power tool in the background.
While at the residence, deputies observed a hole in the wall between the two units, which was approximately the size of a softball.
Deputies attempted to contact Bowden, who refused to speak to deputies and instead threw a bag out of the upstairs window toward them. Bowden then refused to exit the residence for over an hour and a half until deputies were able to make phone contact with him and convince him to step outside. Once Bowden exited the residence, deputies took him into custody.
Inside Bowden’s residence, deputies found a hammer and electric string trimmer, both covered with drywall residue, near the hole in the wall.
Charles Bowden (Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility mug shot)
“Talk about a neighbor from hell,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Nobody should be made to feel threatened while in the safety of their home, and I am thankful our deputies arrived quickly and this incident didn’t escalate further than a hole in the wall. Now this guy is sitting in the Green Roof Inn surrounded by walls he won’t be able to break through.”
Deputies arrested Bowden for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and burglary with assault or battery. He was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he is being held without bond.
Parolee and Sex Offender Fugitives Arrested
Over the weekend, deputies arrested two men with wanted warrants.
Friday morning, the FCSO Fugitive Apprehension Unit responded to the Econo Lodge on Kingswood Drive in Palm Coast after determining through investigative means that William Peck, 53, of Palm Coast was at the hotel. Peck had a felony arrest warrant from Tallahassee for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and had violated his conditional release from state prison.
Deputies arrested Peck for his warrant. He was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he is being held without bond until extradition to Leon County.
Peck has an extensive arrest history, with over 10 arrests in Flagler County for charges including domestic battery by strangulation, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, DUI, and violation of probation. He has also served multiple sentences in state prison and was last released in July.
Monday afternoon, deputies responded to a residence on Laurel Avenue in Bunnell to serve a felony arrest warrant for Jarrod Free, 33. Free is a registered sex offender and was wanted in Alachua County for violation of probation, with an original charge of traveling to meet a minor to commit unlawful sexual offense.
Deputies arrested Free for his warrant. He was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he is being held without bond until extradition to Alachua County.
William Peck and Jarrod Free (Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility mug shots)
“If you are a fugitive from another county or another state, our deputies will provide you a free ride wearing new designer jewelry and give you a free night’s stay at the Green Roof Inn. This weekend your Labor Day just ended with hard labor at a state prison in your future,” said Sheriff Staly.
The post Flagler County Sheriff’s Holiday Weekend Roundup: September 5-7 first appeared on Flagler County Buzz.
