A Florida police officer was filmed repeatedly tasing a black man who was recovering from a seizure while EMS personnel were trying to assist him.
According to claims shared online, the man, identified as Dwight Jackson, was putting up Halloween decorations outside his home when he collapsed and began having a seizure. EMS arrived and began assisting him, but the situation reportedly escalated after a police officer showed up.
“All of a sudden a cop shows up, shoves everyone out the way, and jumps on top of him,” Dwight’s brother said. The officer was allegedly identified as Sgt. Price of the Chattahoochee Police Department. Price claimed that he was trying to assist EMS with a “combative individual” and encountered “physical resistance.”
The video showed the officer approaching Dwight, who was lying on the grass, before repeatedly tasing him. Price then ordered Dwight to put his hands behind his back, despite him still recovering from a seizure.
The officer tased Dwight again and threatened to continue if he did not comply. “I had a seizure,” Dwight responded, while his family members also tried to explain what had happened. Price continued repeating his demand before ordering the family to back away and warning them, “last chance.”
What Happened Next
Another officer then attempted to turn Dwight over so his hands could be placed behind his back, while Price continued pointing his taser at him. At another point in the video, Price could be seen sitting on top of Dwight with the taser pressed against his back.
An EMS worker tried to explain that they were already treating Dwight, but Price began yelling at him as well. The officer continued ordering Dwight to put his hands behind his back before pressing the taser against his neck. Dwight tried to explain that he had just suffered a seizure, but Price kept shouting at him.
Price then ordered firefighters at the scene to help him restrain Dwight. The video later showed Dwight handcuffed and standing outside a police vehicle. Price ordered him to get inside before pushing him toward the car. The footage ended shortly afterward.
Dwight allegedly later described the encounter as “more terrifying than being in the war.” Reports also claimed that Price tased him seven times and that he was taken to the hospital after suffering another seizure. Dwight is reportedly considering legal action.
Police Department Responds
The Chattahoochee Police Department later released a statement saying that an officer had been dispatched to help restrain a “combative individual.” The department claimed that Dwight grabbed the assisting officer’s body armor, prompting the officer to deploy his Taser. Dwight was then taken to the police department, where he reportedly suffered another seizure before being transported to a local hospital.
An initial review found that the use of force appeared to be consistent with department policy. However, the assisting officer had failed to retrieve his assigned body camera, leaving much of the encounter unrecorded. The available audio also raised concerns about his conduct, leading to verbal counseling.
The department later acknowledged that additional footage showed the officer arguing with an EMS worker while emergency personnel were still at the scene. Police Chief Michael Miller admitted that the officer’s behavior fell short of the professionalism expected of department members. He also stressed the importance of treating firefighters and EMS personnel with dignity and respect. The statement confirmed that the officer had been fired as the department continued its efforts to hold its officers accountable.
Viewers Outraged After Florida Officer Tases Black Man
Many viewers online were outraged by the Florida officer’s treatment of the black man and called for him to be held accountable. “I wish cops had common sense. This is disgusting. They seriously need training. These veteran officers are pathetic,” one person wrote. Another disagreed that a lack of training was the issue, arguing, “THIS is their training.”
Other viewers continued condemning the officer’s actions, with one person predicting further consequences for him. “He got fired & lawsuit & charges incoming. Seeing this prick in prison will be satisfying. He also got into a fight with the EMS from the Fire Dept at the end of this altercation.” Another questioned the decision to use a Taser on someone recovering from a seizure, writing, “I’m not a neurologist, but common sense would tell you that using a taser (uses electrical impulses) on a person having a seizure (electrical activity in the brain) MIGHT NOT BE A GOOD IDEA!”
The incident raised concerns about how some police officers may use unnecessary force, particularly when dealing with people who are already in vulnerable situations. It also highlighted the importance of holding officers accountable for their actions, as excessive force can put people’s lives at risk and cause serious harm.
