Deputy Faces Aggravated Assault Charge for Off-Duty Fight

Police officers need to know when to use their power. Pulling out a gun during an off-duty fight is not a good display of professionalism. In fact, it can lead to arrest and criminal charges.

This recently happened to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy. He is facing an aggravated assault charge after allegedly pulling a gun on another man during an argument in Sarasota.

The 21-year-old deputy was arrested after an argument he had with another man at Ackerman Park in Sarasota on June 21. At first, he told Sarasota County deputies that he drew his handgun in self-defense to break up a fight.

However, an investigation found that the deputy was arguing with another man when he took out his police-issued gun and pointed it at the other man’s head. The deputy was arrested and booked into the Sarasota County Jail, where he was held without bond. He is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill.

The deputy resigned after his arrest. He had been with the sheriff’s office since February 2023 and worked in the Corrections Bureau, which operates the Manatee County Jail. An internal investigation and a criminal investigation are ongoing. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office stated “this is not acceptable behavior for any employee of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and will not be tolerated.”

Use of Police Weapons While Off Duty

When police officers use their weapons while off duty, the circumstances are often scrutinized carefully. Was it justified or did the police officer abuse their power?

The police department will look at legal and departmental policies and see if the rules were followed. Off-duty officers are generally required to follow the same use-of-force guidelines that apply when they are on duty.

Departmental policies will generally dictate when and how off-duty officers can carry and use their weapons. Off-duty officers may use their weapons in situations where they or others are facing an imminent threat of serious injury or death. They must be able to prove beyond a doubt that using force was absolutely necessary.

It is critical for off-duty officers to identify themselves as law enforcement to avoid being mistaken for an armed civilian by bystanders or other police officers who arrive at the scene.

In any case, any use of a weapon by an off-duty officer typically triggers an investigation to determine whether the use of force was justified and complied with policies. This investigation might involve internal affairs, independent review boards, or external agencies.

Contact an Assault Lawyer Today

Assault can be a misdemeanor or felony in nature, depending on the circumstances. Police officers need to be mindful of this, since some take their power too far and end up seriously harming others for no reason.

If you have been the victim of an assault, there may be multiple parties liable. You may have valid civil claims against the assailant, their employer, and the property owner, among others. Seek legal help from a Bradenton assault lawyer from Cahall Law Firm. To schedule a consultation, call (941) 281-2019 or fill out the online form.

Source:

bradenton.com/news/local/crime/article289709174.html