Boston 'Officer of the Year' is arrested for assaulting and threatening to 'f*****g kill' sheriff's deputy and two security guards at Disney World

A Boston detective who was previously named 'Officer of the Year' was arrested for assaulting and threatening to kill a sheriff's deputy and two security guards at Walt Disney World in Florida. 

Detective Duane A. Danforth, 38, has been placed on paid leave after he allegedly tried to enter a private event in Disney last month and repeatedly told sheriff's deputy: 'I'm going to f*****g kill you'. 

An affidavit seen by DailyMail.com reveals that the alleged altercation took place at the United Kingdom Lochside at Epcot on January 30. 

Danforth, who 'had a crazy look in his eyes and appeared intoxicated,' tried to enter a roped-off area, where a private event was happening, according to the affidavit. 

When Disney security guard Jeffrey Alves Barnett asked him to go around, he allegedly refused and tried to remove the ropes. 

Detective Duane A. Danforth, 38, who was previously named 'Officer of the Year' was arrested for assaulting and threatening to kill a sheriff's deputy and two security guards at Walt Disney World in Florida

Detective Duane A. Danforth, 38, has been placed on paid leave after he allegedly tried to enter a private event in Disney last month and repeatedly told sheriff's deputy: 'I'm going to f*****g kill you'

He allegedly then approached the victim and said, 'I'm going to f*****g kill you', twice after Barnett instructed him to go around again. 

'Barnett stated that the subject removed the ropes and pushed him aside,' the affidavit continued. 

Another security guard, Andrew William Blackport, who was working at the event and standing nearby, said Danforth shoved him as well. 

'Andrew stated that he heard the guest yell, 'I will f*****g kill you!' multiple times,' the affidavit said. 

'Andrew described the guest as a bearded man, approximately 5′10″ tall, wearing a hat, a blue sweater, a white shirt, and jeans. The guest had a young girl in his left arm.' 

When Deputy Sheriff Dagoberto Almeida was called to the scene, he was also struck by Danforth, 'Officer of the Year in 2021'. 

“As I attempted to make contact with Duane, I asked him to do me a favor, and that is when Duane intentionally struck me by pushing me away with his hands,” Almeida wrote in the affidavit. 

“I immediately regained my balance and I attempted to secure Duane. During that effort, I redirected Duane to the floor to try to secure him.” 

'While Duane was on the floor, he attempted to resist and tense up as we tried to maintain control and secure him with my handcuffs.'

'I gave Duane verbal commands to stop resisting, and Duane continued to push away,' the affidavit reads. 

The deputy sheriff also mentioned he was wearing uniform with sheriff's office patches throughout the interaction with Danforth. 

'Duane later stated he knew I was working as a law enforcement officer and repeatedly admitted that he should not have pushed me,' Almeida wrote. 

An affidavit seen by DailyMail.com reveals that the alleged altercation took place at the United Kingdom Lochside at Epcot on January 30

Danforth, who 'had a crazy look in his eyes and appeared intoxicated,' tried to enter a rope-off area, where a private event was happening, according to the affidavit

Investigators noted that multiple park guests recorded the alleged altercations and have submitted the videos into evidence. 

Danforth has been charged with battery, battery on law enforcement officer, and resisting officer without violence. 

He was then released on bond with conditions that included not contacting the alleged victims, staying away from Epcot, refraining from possessing weapons, and surrendering any firearms. 

The Brookline Police Union representing Danforth said the detective has been placed on paid administrative leave. 

The union also highlighted Danforth's achievement throughout his years with the department, including being honored as Officer of the Year in 2021. 

“We are aware of the allegations against Detective Duane Danforth and recognize that they are serious,” the union wrote in a statement to the Boston Gobe. 

“We are committed to working with the administration as a thorough and fair investigation is done. Detective Danforth is a veteran police officer, serving our community for 14 years.

'He has been recognized with numerous commendations for excellent police work during his career, and also as Officer of the Year in 2021. 

'He has also proudly served our country in the United States Army with a number of deployments overseas.

Danforth was described as 'having an impressive work history' as a patrol officer and as a detective, and a 'proactive, reliable member' of the team by the annual Brookline Police Department Awards Board in 2021. 

According to a letter announcing the award, the board 'voted unanimously to recommend' Danforth as the department's Officer of the Year.