Jury finds deputy accused of Taser fire at Wawa gas pumps that injured suspect not guilty

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Published  November 22, 2024 10:39pm EST
FOX 35 Orlando
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Deputy found not guilty in Taser gas station fire

The jury took six hours, right on the nose in their deliberations. The decision was far from clear-cut. The story is also far from over. Deputy David Crawford is not guilty of misdemeanor culpable negligence.

ORLANDO, Fla. - The jury took six hours, right on the nose in their deliberations. The decision was far from clear-cut. The story is also far from over.

Deputy David Crawford is not guilty of misdemeanor culpable negligence.

"We’re very happy with the result here today," said Crawford’s defense attorney, Michael Barber. "My client’s relieved, I’m relieved."

That’s the verdict after almost three years on paid administrative leave. The State Attorney’s Office says Crawford tackled Jean Barreto-Baerga off his motorcycle at a gas station, spilling gas everywhere, then Tased him, leading to him being lit on fire.

Here’s what Assistant State Attorney Ryan Williams said in his closing arguments about that: "A decision that that was reasonable allows law enforcement to go unchecked."

After the verdict, Williams simply thanked the jury for their time and effort.

"Law enforcement officer cases are hard," he said.

Barber put on quite a show in the courtroom, including props and a physical demonstration. He told the jury his client didn’t fire the Taser and had actually thrown it to the side. As for his initial approach to the suspect, Barber says Deputy Crawford had only ever followed protocol.

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"I think everyone’s relieved with the verdict," said Barber on Friday night. "Obviously, it’s been a very tough situation, not just for my client but for his whole family. We’re all very happy they’re able to put this behind them and move on with their lives."

The deliberations had several pauses, and the word "mistrial" got thrown around a good deal. At one point, the jurors asked the judge what would happen if they couldn’t reach a unanimous decision. That would be a mistrial.

The other issue was evidence the jury was not supposed to see being sent back with them to review.

"I’m sure it was just an honest mistake," said Barber. "I’ve never been in that position before, so I don’t know. The judge gave a curative instruction."

This story isn’t out of the headlines just yet.

An attorney representing the suspect-turned-victim in this case plans to file a civil lawsuit against the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. He said in a statement after the verdict:

"Despite the outcome of the State's case against Deputy Crawford, Jean is optimistic about getting justice in his own civil cause of action for the reckless, excessive use of force, which was strengthened by the evidence brought forth in this criminal trial."

As for whether Deputy Crawford will keep that title of deputy with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, that’s not yet determined — or at least is not yet being shared with the media.

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