Sarasota Police Officer Slams Homeless Man's Head Into Metal Wall

Cop Block
Dec. 05, 2012

Sarasota, Florida – The Sarasota Police Department appears to have issue with the homeless.

After a recent posting regarding Darren Kersey and his arrest for “theft of city utilities,” charges which were dropped after an overnight in the City Jail, a video has surfaced of Officer Derrick Gilbert slamming Roger Fields face first into a metal wall during an arrest.

The incident, captured by security cameras, occurred on the morning of October 6, 2012 at a city bus deport.

Asked for comment Thursday, Police Chief Mikel Hollawa, whom is retiring on Friday, stated in an email that Mr. Fields "caused his own problems." He later clarified, “If we’ve done anything inappropriate, we will deal with it just like we have in the past."

City Manager Tom Barwin acknowledged that the incident "was clearly excessive force and will be referred to Internal Affairs immediately." Barwin called Sarasota Police Chief Mikel Hollaway and told him to promptly suspend the officer. Officer Gilbert was placed on administrative leave several hours later.

Article from WTSP News.