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Trial continues for deputy accused of using Taser near gas pump, igniting suspect

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Updated  November 19, 2024 9:13pm EST
Osceola County
FOX 35 Orlando

Florida deputy Taser fire trial: Day 2

A former Osceola County deputy is accused of culpable negligence after Tasing a suspect near a gas station, which ignited and caused severe burned to the suspect. Here is an update on the second day of trial.

ORLANDO, Fla. - The trial of an Osceola County deputy accused of using a Taser near a gas pump — causing a suspect to catch fire — continued Tuesday with witness testimony focusing on the cause of the blaze and accountability.  

Deputy David Crawford is facing misdemeanor charges of culpable negligence with personal injury.

The incident occurred two years ago when deputies say they tracked Jean Barreto-Baerga to an Orange County Wawa gas station after they caught him driving his bike recklessly. That’s where they confronted him and Crawford allegedly fired his Taser. 

It is alleged that the Taser ignited a flame that burned over 60% of Barreto-Baerga's body, which required him to undergo costly medical treatment. 

Fire investigators testified that the blaze wasn’t caused by mechanical failures of the suspect’s motorcycle, the gas pump, or heat from the bike’s engine. Prosecutors argue the fire was a result of the Taser being deployed near the pump. 

Deputy Joseph Dejesus, who witnessed the incident, described the aftermath in detail.

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"It appeared to be his whole upper body was burnt, with a lot of his skin just peeling off, hanging off." 

Dejesus also testified that using a Taser near a gas pump violates agency policy.  

The defense worked to raise doubts about the sequence of events and Crawford’s role. Defense attorney Michael Barber questioned whether the Taser that ignited the fire was Crawford’s and pointed out that the suspect resisted arrest.  

Video from deputies’ body-worn cameras showed a 9-year-old boy standing just five feet away from the flames when the fire erupted, a fact prosecutors emphasized to underscore the risks involved.  

Detective Benjamin Maclan testified that the suspect’s refusal to show his hands raised concerns over their safety.

"We like to see people’s hands," he said. "If we can’t see people’s hands, they pose a risk to us."

The state has yet to rest its case, with more witnesses expected to testify on Wednesday.

The former deputy was previously represented by attorney Mark Nejame, but is now represented by The Pendas Law Firm.

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