NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – A New Smyrna Beach man, who told deputies he had drunk one beer an hour before, was arrested after allegedly drifting in the water naked at New Smyrna Beach, according to an arrest report.
Around 3 p.m. Sunday, 69-year-old Rufus Qualls was seen by a witness allegedly drifting in the waters at New Smyrna Beach on a blue body board without pants on, deputies said. The witness told authorities that Qualls allegedly got closer to numerous beachgoers, including their 6-year-old grandchild, and a “young teenage girl,” the report stated.
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When deputies arrived on scene, they called Qualls to come to shore, but he continued to lay in the surf, officials said. Deputies had to go into the water and physically remove Qualls, covering his nudity as he was taken into custody, the report said.
Qualls, who appeared drunk to the witness, said he had drunk one beer an hour before the incident and took medication earlier in the morning, the report stated.
Qualls said he arrived at the beach with his acquaintance named “Cowboy,” and claimed a wave took his pants after he entered the water with Cowboy, according to the report.
Qualls was arrested, accused of indecent exposure and resisting an officer without violence, the report stated, later booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail with a $1,000 bond.