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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Charges have been laid against an Osceola County sheriff’s deputy more than a year after he “recklessly deploys a taser” on a suspect who spontaneously caught fire at a gas station in Florida.
On February 27, 2022, deputies from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office drove across county lines to pursue a suspect who “jumped off the wheels” into traffic while riding his dirt bike.
Graphic video shows Florida gas station fire started by MP’s Taser
Deputies followed the suspect to a gas station in Wawa where they confronted him in front of a petrol pump. Body camera video shows the intense encounter as Deputy David Crawford tackles the suspect to the ground.
In the process, a struggle ensued and the suspect soaked himself in gasoline. As other deputies helped restrain the man, Deputy Crawford “recklessly deployed a taser”, causing the man to burst into flames.
In a statement on Friday, prosecutor Monique Worrell said the man suffered second and third degree burns to at least 75% of his body – injuries from which he is still recovering.
As a result of its investigation, the SAO charged Crawford with culpable negligence with bodily harm is a first-degree misdemeanor, a felony punishable by one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
