Fort Lauderdale FL cop charged w/false arrest & battery

[MrScorpio]

LAUDERDALE COP CHARGED IN STORE CONFRONTATION
Written by ELGIN JONES

FORT LAUDERDALE – The Broward State Attorney’s Office has filed criminal charges against a Fort Lauderdale police officer who prosecutors say improperly arrested a customer at a convenience store.

The charges against Officer Jason Hersh stem from a Dec. 6, 2009 incident at a 7-Eleven store on Fort Lauderdale beach with a customer.
“Yes, he was served with a summons today,” said Fort Lauderdale police spokesman Sgt. Frank Sousa, in an email to the newspaper. “He has been charged with 3 Misdemeanors. He was charged with 2 counts of False Reports and 1 count of battery.”

Hersh is currently facing the possibility of suspension without pay.

-Snip-

The investigation began in December 2009 when Fort Lauderdale police learned of the Dec. 6, 2009 altercation at the store, which is at 3301 NE 30th St.

Surveillance video captured Hersh, who was not in uniform, waiting in line at the cash register to pay for his items. Lee Ferrell, 27, was also waiting in line. A clerk told Ferrell he was no longer allowed in the store because he had been suspected of shoplifting during a previous visit.

The exchange between Ferrell and the clerk was cordial. But before a manager could clarify the situation, Hersh grabbed Ferrell and wrestled him out of the store.

While outside, Hersh allegedly pulled his service weapon, waved it at customers and store employees, and ordered them to get back inside.

In his police report, Hersh claimed that he identified himself as a police officer. He said that Ferrell reacted in an aggressive manner, and as a result, “I escorted him out of the store and requested backup. Subject was arrested.”

Ferrell was charged with trespassing and resisting arrest without violence. The State Attorney’s Office later dropped the charges against Ferrell.

The store’s surveillance video does not appear to support the claims that Hersh made in the police report about Ferrell’s actions.


http://www.sfltimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4905&Itemid=1

[niyad]

1. I know there are good officers out there, but it is hard to believe that when we see these kinds of

reports--and these are just the ones we hear about. how many others are simply covered up?

[nosmokes]

2. and how many are never made because there's no point?