Florida deputy found not guilty 2 years after botched arrest resulted in an explosion that left a suspect with severe burns
CNN
A Florida deputy has been found not guilty of culpable negligence more than two years after being accused of deploying his Taser on a suspect at a gas station resulting in an explosion that left the man with burns over much of his body.
A Florida deputy has been found not guilty of culpable negligence more than two years after being accused of deploying his Taser on a suspect at a gas station resulting in an explosion that left the man with burns over much of his body. Osceola County deputy David Crawford was one of several law enforcement officers attempting to arrest Jean Barreto on February 27, 2022. Barreto, who was 26 at the time, matched the description of a suspect reportedly brandishing a gun and committing traffic violations with a group of people on dirt bikes, Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez said at a news conference immediately after the incident. Barreto was left with burns covering 75% of his body after investigators said Crawford triggered his Taser igniting a pool of gasoline. During a weeklong trial, prosecutors argued Crawford dangerously and inappropriately tased Barreto, causing him to burst into flames, according to reporting from CNN affiliate WESH. Meanwhile, the defense argued Crawford was innocent, saying the entire incident was an accident. Crawford took the stand Thursday, testifying that he was attempting to stop Barreto, whom he believed had a gun. “We were convinced from the very beginning that my client was not guilty of these charges,” said Crawford’s attorney, Michael Barber. “My client’s relieved. I’m relieved. We are just very happy that the jury reached the right conclusion.” Prosecuting attorney Ryan Williams said it’s the jury’s “decision to determine if a law enforcement officer’s use of force is reasonable. We are just grateful that they took as much time as they did.” Years after being hospitalized for the burns he sustained, Barreto is still hurting emotionally and physically, according to his attorney, Albert Yonfa. Barreto is also innocent, Yonfa said.
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