A man who was tasered at Universal Studios last year has sued the City of Orlando alleging that the police used excessive force when they tasered him which caused him to fall and break his jaw. He is seeking $2 million in damages. The man claims that his constitutional rights were violated and that he was falsely imprisoned. He also claims the police department inadequately supervises and trains its officers.
According to reports the following occurred. Universal Studios called in the Orlando Police to have the man removed from their property because he was “uncooperative.” The man was instructed by the police to leave the premises, but refused. The man resisted arrest and refused to put his hands behind his back.
The officer sprayed mace into the man’s face, but that didn’t stop him, so he tasered the man in the back. The man claims he fell forward, struck his face on the cement, broke his jaw, damaged his teeth, and was treated at an Orlando hospital.
The man pleaded no contest in criminal court to the trespassing charge and adjudication was withheld.
Often times in cases like this one, the alleged victim’s account differs from the responding officer’s. Sometimes, the arrest is caught on video through the camera on police car or by a nearby surveillance camera. In view of the fact that this case occurred on the grounds of Universal Studios, I suspect that it was captured on video and that this will resolve any questions as to whether the use of the taser was warranted.
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