Crime
VIDEO: Florida officer fired after dragging woman into jail
“Rather than remaining professional, Damon himself made rude and derogatory comments to the arrestee,” the Tampa Police Department said
December 29, 2022 1:28am
Updated: December 29, 2022 9:57am
A Tampa police officer was fired after he was caught dragging a woman on the ground into jail, the department said in a statement.
Gregory Damon was fired after a criminal investigation by the Tampa Police Department found that he had violated multiple policies while booking a suspect into jail on November 17.
“Professionalism is not only expected, it is demanded, in every encounter our officers have with the public, regardless of the arrestee being uncooperative or unpleasant in return. As law enforcement officers, we are held to a higher standard,” said Interim Police Chief Lee Bercaw.
On November 17, Tampa police responded to a call reporting an individual sleeping outside the Tampa Family Health Center and refusing to leave the premises. Officers arrested the woman, who had been detained a month prior for the same reason.
When the officers and the woman arrived at the Orient Road Jail, the suspect refused to leave the patrol car. “I want you to drag me!” she said.
“Damon took the individual by the arm, dragging her from the vehicle to the entrance of the jail where he then buzzed the door entrance, prompting two deputies to come outside and assist with raising the individual from the ground and beginning the jail intake process,” the department said in a statement.
“Rather than remaining professional, Damon himself made rude and derogatory comments to the arrestee,” the statement added.
Surveillance footage and Damon’s body camera footage show the actions that Damon took, including him dragging the arrestee.
Tampa’s policy on handling uncooperative people specifically says that “that dragging an individual who is uncooperative is never an appropriate practice and instead, the correct procedure would be to request assistance from the booking staff.”
Here's video of former Tampa police officer Gregory Damon dragging a female into the Orient Road Jail. He was fired on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/PbtZSyvyHB
— Chad Baker (@ChadBlue83) December 28, 2022
