A Florida sheriff's deputy, David Crawford, has been criminally charged for firing a Taser at a man pumping gas, resulting in a fireball that burned nearly 75 per cent of the victim's body.
The incident, which occurred at a Wawa gas station in Orange County on February 27, 2022, was captured on video. The sheriff's deputy has since been charged with culpable negligence.
The events unfolded when officers pursued Jean Barretto Baerga, who was driving recklessly on a motorcycle, according to police.
Sheriff Marcos López stated that Baerga had run red lights, ridden on the sidewalk and grass, and even moved towards oncoming traffic before eventually pulling into the gas station, according to Fox 35.
Body camera footage revealed Deputy Crawford tackling Baerga without announcing himself and shouting at his partners to turn off the gas pump.
As Baerga lay in a pool of gasoline, Crawford raised his Taser and warned, "You're gonna get tased again, dude!" before firing the weapon, resulting in a catastrophic explosion.
State Attorney Monique Worrell commented on the incident, stating, "Deputy Crawford recklessly deployed a Taser at the victim who had become soaked in gasoline, and as a result, caused the explosion that injured the victim."
Baerga suffered second- and third-degree burns over approximately 75 per cent of his body, with only his masked face, gloved hands, and feet remaining unscathed.
His medical expenses have already reached $7 million, and his legal team intends to seek compensation from the Sheriff's Office.
Mark NeJame, Baerga's lawyer, expressed his appreciation for the State Attorney's Office pursuing criminal charges and highlighted the devastating impact on his client's life. NeJame called for accountability, stating, "There should be consequences because how else do we stop this type of activity from happening again?"
Deputy Crawford, who was also injured during the incident, has been placed on administrative leave.
Attorney NeJame further called for legislative changes that would allow felony charges in similar cases, emphasizing the severity of the negligence and injuries inflicted.
The Sheriff's Office has stated that they will allow the criminal justice system to determine if Deputy Crawford's actions constituted a criminal act.
Christopher Koffinas, another deputy involved in the incident who used a stun gun on Baerga, received a 40-hour unpaid suspension but is not facing criminal charges.
