Florida police are now under scrutiny for tasing and punching a 16-year-old after an alleged trespassing accusation.
Lakeland police officials are now under review after how they acted on an incident involving the physical restraint and tasing of a teenager at an apartment complex pool on May 26.
According to an arrest affidavit, the 16-year-old was charged with misdemeanor trespassing and two felony counts: battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer with violence.
Florida Police Incident Involving Teenager Incident at the Pool
According to reports, Officer Christopher McKee responded to a 911 call from the management of an apartment complex, complaining about several individuals using the pool who were not residents.
Upon arrival, McKee and another officer were informed that all trespassers on the property were non-residents.
In the affidavit, McKee talked to the teenagers who were reportedly trespassing on the property. He gave several more lawful orders to exit the property and stated that if he did not, he could get arrested.
Furthermore, the officer stated that the 16-year-old boy continued to ignore my verbal commands and stuck his hand in his face. The teenager then begins to confront the police, saying that he does not have to talk to them.
McKee narrated that, at this point, he decided to take the subject into custody for trespassing. Additionally, his report claims that after attempting to take the teen into custody, the boy struck him in the face with a closed fist.
Cell phone footage of the incident, shows two officers punching, pulling the hair of, and tasing the teen before he is handcuffed. However, the video does not capture the moments leading up to the altercation.
Mother's Perspective on the Alleged Trespassing
Ja'Tae Lewis, the teen's mother, provided her account of the incident, stating that her son and his friends were complying with the police's request to leave the property.
According to Lewis, one of the officers followed the group and made a derogatory comment about her son's weight, suggesting he should go to the gym instead of the pool next time.
Lewis said her son responded to the officer, though he does not recall what he said. The officer then approached her son, who raised his hand to maintain distance, leading the officer to physically engage with him, according to Lewis.
Continuous Investigation and Response
Lakeland police have not released body camera footage of the incident to the public. Following the altercation, the teen was taken to a local hospital and, subsequently, to a juvenile assessment center.
"Chief of Police Sam Taylor has already requested an administrative review by our Office of Professional Standards," the Lakeland police stated.
Furthermore, they have informed the public that their office will not be able to release any other material related to this case until the administrative review is closed.
The case has sparked controversy around the neighborhood when it comes to safety. Locals and community members have raised numerous questions as to the use of force by police officers, especially involving minors and people of color and minorities.
