Mar-a-Lago security checkpoint incident leads to woman's arrest

Alexa Rae Scharf, 29, of Loxahatchee, Florida, was arrested following a security incident and police pursuit near the Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach. The incident began at approximately 6:05 p.m. when Scharf allegedly drove a gray Hyundai SUV into a closed U.S. Secret Service security checkpoint.

According to police reports, Scharf exited her vehicle and turned on a hose and sprinkler system near the security screening area. When a Secret Service agent questioned her, she reportedly replied, “I’m here for the car wash.” Scharf then allegedly drove toward the agent, forcing them to jump out of the way, before fleeing onto South Ocean Boulevard.

Authorities tracked the vehicle to a nearby property where Scharf allegedly knocked down a front gate. During the subsequent encounter with law enforcement, Scharf reportedly drove toward officers, necessitating the use of stop sticks and the breaking of vehicle windows to end the pursuit. During the arrest, police shot Scharf’s pit bull after the dog reportedly attacked and bit an officer; the dog later died.

Scharf faces multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated assault with a vehicle, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer without violence.