ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Windermere police officer Jason Darnell was arrested Friday after an investigation into accusations of racial profiling.
A second Windermere officer, Ryan Miller, is accused of the same thing.
Darnell and Miller are both on unpaid leave pending an internal investigation.
The former chief of police became aware of the alleged profiling when he was tipped off by a fellow officer.
It isn't the first time Darnell, a five-year patrol officer, has been accused of racial profiling.
There was a case in 2009 when he was accused of the same thing.
"I want the residents of Windermere to hear from me that these kinds of practices are unacceptable and will not be tolerated under any circumstance," said Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, a five-month investigation revealed that Darnell was racially profiling while conducting traffic stops.
Darnell and Miller have been off the job since November, with pay. Miller has not been charged but is still under criminal investigation.
On Friday new chief Dave Ogden suspended them both without pay.
"I assure you a complete and thorough investigation will be done," said Ogden.
Last month a Windermere resident told Channel 9 it was well known that both officers targeted black drivers.
FDLE said in Darnell's case, there are three victims from different races.
No one at Darnell's house would speak with Channel 9 reporter Jeff Deal.
Neighbors said the racial profiling accusations are surprising.
"That doesn't sound like Jason. Jason's not discriminatory," said a neighbor.
FDLE said it believes there are likely more victims.
WFTV
