KEYS SHERIFF’S DEPUTY ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY PUNCHING MAN, BRANDISHING KNIFE IN KEY WEST

a man in a red shirt is looking at the camera

A Monroe County sheriff’s deputy was handcuffed by Key West police on June 18 following an altercation in which he allegedly grabbed a female, punched a man trying to intervene and pulled a knife.

According to the sheriff’s office, 42-year-old Joseph Galbo was arrested by Key West police officers around 1 a.m. on Simonton Street. Galbo was reportedly arguing with a female victim when he grabbed her, according to Key West police. Another couple tried to calm the situation when Galbo allegedly punched a male and brandished a knife. An arrest report states Galbo had been drinking. 

Galbo, who was hired by MCSO on Jan. 7, 2020, was charged with felony aggravated assault and two counts of misdemeanor battery. His arraignment is scheduled for July 3. 

“I have notified Deputy Galbo that I intend to terminate his employment pending a pre-termination hearing,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “I am committed to keeping this community informed of significant events that occur in this agency, good and bad.”