It seems like every day there is a new report about police misconduct against civilians. What makes this case different is how quick the prosecutors filed criminal charges against. the suspect officer…
For 57-year-old Floyd Dent, what was supposed to be just another day, turned into something much worse. A dashcam video from early this year shows police beating and tasing the retired man who had no criminal history.
Floyd and the police have differing accounts as to what happened. In this suburban Detroit location, the aftermath of this incident may be felt for years.
The video shows that within a few seconds of Floyd being pulled over, the police pull him out of the car and into the street. The cops claimed they thought he was reaching for a gun, Floyd claims he was set up.
There was no sound on the video but according to Floyd, the officers told him to, “get out the car” or they’d “blow [his] brains out.”
Once he was on the ground, he was put in a chokehold and hit multiple times-16 according to his criminal defense lawyer. Despite telling the police he couldn’t breathe, they continued to choke him.
More police came and Floyd was tasered three times before the bloodied suspect was allowed up and put in the back of a police car.
According to the police report, officers thought he was reaching for a gun, was threatening to kill them and was ignoring lawful commands.
Police spokesmen said cocaine was found under Floyd’s seat. Floyd has denied ownership of the controlled substance and denied that he was uncooperative.
After reviewing the video, the state attorney threw out two of the three original charges, assault and resisting arrest. Floyd still faced the drug charge until just this week when that too was dropped.
Floyd is not happy and says he will not rest until the officer who battered him is “locked up”
This was not the suspect officer’s first brush with the law. The arresting officer William Melendez was accused of misconduct previously, when he worked at the nearby Detroit Police Department.
In 2004, federal prosecutors charged Melendez and seven other officers with civil rights abuses, including planting evidence. Melendez and the other officers were acquitted.
It is far too early to know what will happen to the officer this time but a few days ago the state filed battery charges against the police officer.
.
Have you or a loved one been arrested for battery or resisting arrest without violence? Then call the Saint Petersburg criminal defense lawyers at Blake & Dorsten, P.A. today! These former prosecutors are experienced trial attorneys.
The lawyers of Blake & Dorsten, P.A. handle all criminal and personal injury cases along the Gulf Coast including Saint Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, Seminole, Sarasota, Bradenton, Pinellas Park, Feathersound, Brandon, New Port Richey, Dade City, Largo and Safety Harbor.
To speak directly to your Clearwater violent crimes defense attorney, click on the contact section or call 727.286.6141. Blake & Dorsten, P.A…when your case matters!