Flagler County, Florida — A bizarre late-night incident outside a Florida Taco Bell ended with a man behind bars, a rescued pet fish finding a new home and a sheriff’s office social media post that quickly grabbed attention online.
Authorities say the unusual encounter began shortly before 1 a.m. Friday when restaurant employees contacted law enforcement regarding a man allegedly exposing himself outside the business.
Taco Bell Employee Calls Deputies for Help
According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, workers at the Taco Bell became concerned when a man lingering outside the restaurant appeared to be exposing himself near one of the building’s entrances.
The sheriff’s office later described the incident in a humorous Facebook post.
“A man was near the side door of the business with his chimichanga out,” FCSO wrote.
Deputies were dispatched to investigate and quickly arrived at the scene.
Suspect Allegedly Didn’t Notice Officers Arriving
Authorities identified the suspect as 28-year-old Brandon Irizarry.
According to deputies, Irizarry appeared so focused on what he was doing that he did not initially notice law enforcement pulling into the parking lot.
The sheriff’s office described the suspect’s reaction once he realized officers were there.
“The jig was up, as he frantically covered up, pulling his hoodie down below his crotch instead of pulling up the multiple pants he had around his knees.”
Officials said Irizarry was allegedly wearing three pairs of pants, all of which were pulled down around his knees at the time.
He was subsequently taken into custody without further incident.
Deputies Make Unexpected Discovery
What initially appeared to be a routine arrest soon took an unusual turn.
While searching Irizarry’s belongings, deputies discovered a live Betta fish swimming inside a plastic container stored in his backpack.
The surprising find left authorities with plenty of questions.
“We have many questions. We do not have answers. What we did have was a fish in need of better company.”
Concerned about the fish’s welfare, deputies arranged for it to be transferred to the Flagler Humane Society.
The fish was later given the name “Baja Blast,” a nod to Taco Bell’s popular beverage.
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Fish Gets a Happy Ending
Fortunately for Baja Blast, the story ended on a positive note.
According to the sheriff’s office, staff members at the humane society later reported that the fish was adapting well to its new surroundings.
Officials said the rescued Betta was “doing great” after being relocated.
The unexpected rescue quickly became one of the most talked-about aspects of the incident online.
Sheriff Offers Humorous Warning
Following the arrest, Rick Staly used the unusual case as an opportunity to share a lighthearted public message.
“In Flagler County, if you can’t keep your business inside your pants, you’ll find yourself at the Green Roof Inn, swimming with different company than your fish,” Sheriff Staly said, referring to the county jail.
He added:
“A reminder for the rest of Flagler County: a late-night Taco Bell run should end with a receipt, maybe some regret, but not a booking number.”
Authorities said Irizarry was charged with unlawful exposure of sexual organs and transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he was being held on a $5,000 bond.
What do you think is the strangest part of this unusual Florida story—the arrest or the rescued fish? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
