A former Haines City police officer on trial for what prosecutors called the use of excessive force has been found not guilty.
Juan Caamano was on trial for an October 2010 incident in which prosecutors said he stomped on a man who was on the ground.
On Wednesday, jurors saw dash cam of the incident, during which officers attempted to restrain Matthew Manigault. In the video, Manigault is slammed to the ground, then prosecutors say Caamano stomped on him.
Caamano’s attorneys argued he didn’t do anything criminal.
In the video Manigault can be heard saying he hasn’t done anything wrong. Then an officer forcefully knees him in the back.
While on the stand Manigault admitted to drinking that night and couldn’t remember if it was Caamano who actually kicked him.
Prosecutors said the video clearly shows it but left it up to the jury to decide.
Caamano testified he was trying to help fellow officers when he attempted to kick a suspect being handcuffed, according to our partner newspaper, The Ledger.
One of the other officers in the video received reprimands but didn’t lose his job or face criminal charges like Caamano.
The maximum penalty he faces in this case is 60 days in jail because he’s only being charged with misdemeanor attempted battery.
Attorneys for Caamano originally tried to argue stand your ground as a defense in this case but a judge ultimately decided this case did not meet those requirements.