A Florida officer accused of recklessly deploying a stun gun on a man who was covered in gasoline and turned into «a human fireball» has been charged in the incident at a gas station last year.
Osceola County Deputy David Crawford was charged this week with one count of negligence with personal injury, a first-degree misdemeanor, according to the State’s Attorney for the Ninth Judicial District.
Jean Baretto had second- and third-degree burns on at least 75% of her body after the February 2022 incident at an Orlando gas station.
Agents were pursuing Baretto, who was «charged with violating traffic laws when he ‘did wheelies’ in traffic while riding his motorcycle,» and a fight broke out, the state attorney’s office said.
Baretto was pumping gasoline when Crawford knocked him over and «drowned in gasoline,» according to Mark NeJame, Baretto’s attorney.
Crawford then deployed his taser, setting Baretto on fire and turning him into «a human fireball,» NeJame said.
Baretto will require lifelong care, his attorney said, adding that the man has racked up more than $7 million in medical bills.
NeJame says the prosecution is «just a small first step.»
«Law enforcement is supposed to protect us, not incinerate us,» NeJame said. «This was an extremely excessive use of force that should and could have been prevented.»
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office said it is leaving it up to the criminal justice system to decide whether Crawford committed a crime.
«More than a year ago, we investigated this case and forwarded our findings to the State’s Attorney’s Office for review. We believe it is appropriate to leave it to the criminal justice system to determine whether Officer Crawford committed a criminal act that could be further proven. beyond any reasonable doubt.» » the statement said.
Crawford joined the agency in 2012.
If convicted, Crawford can face up to a year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000, according to the state attorney’s office.