Suspect's Attorney Wants Orlando Officers Disciplined in Excessive Force Case

Orlando Police Department is investigating excessive force claims after cellphone video captured an officer kicking a suspect multiple times.

In the 55-second clip, which was recorded by a resident at the Camden Orange Court apartments, Officer David Cruz is seen kicking a suspect who is already on the ground.

The suspect was identified as 28-year-old Noel Carter.


Raw: Orlando police officer kicks suspect


Carter's arrest report says the incident started when he tried to physically detain his ex-girlfriend outside a downtown nightclub.

On Tuesday, Channel 9 sat down with Carter's attorney, Natalie Jackson, who is calling for discipline against Cruz and a second officer.

"That's the appalling thing. The casualness of the Tasing, the casualness of the brutality and the beating," she said.

Cruz's report says Carter was drunk when he grabbed and pulled Joanne Espejo back as the two were arguing and breaking up. 

The officers claim Carter, a banker from South Florida, ignored their instructions to leave the woman alone.

He allegedly resisted arrest and battered an officer when he was able to break away from them.

Jackson questions why officers got involved in the couple's quarrel.

"I have not seen any indication from the young lady that she wanted help or needed help," said Jackson.

Witnesses said they saw Carter take off as an officer tried to grab him. They then saw the officers use a stun gun, night stick and pepper spray on Carter.

In an investigative report filed days after the incident, Officer Charles Mays said he used a chemical agent on Carter because he wouldn't put his hands behind his back.

"Get on your stomach," the officers tell Carter in the video.

The report said the chemical spray had no effect on Carter. Cruz claimed he then kicked the suspect because a stun gun and baton strikes didn't work either.

"He knew that he did not do anything wrong. They had no right to detain him, and he was distancing himself from the whole incident," said Jackson. "When he realized they were following him, he sat on the curb."

Jackson said she's glad Chief John Mina is doing an internal investigation and believes the officers should be disciplined.   

Carter is expected to tell Channel 9 his side of the story on Wednesday.

Both officers reported minor injuries following the arrest. The investigation remains ongoing. 


Created: Jun 11th, 2015 at 9:06 am