Orange County prosecutor describes arrest of homeless man for curfew violation as ‘problematic’

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Problematic. That’s how an Orange County prosecutor described the arrest of a homeless man picked up for a curfew violation during the early months of the pandemic.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said the deputy who initially encountered Roosevelt Davis conducted a lawful stop and the deputy’s actions were a reaction to him resisting arrest.

READ: How the arrest of a homeless man over a curfew violation led to a possible federal lawsuit

During a deposition for his case, Davis’ public defender questioned the deputy about why Davis was arrested that night for felony charges which ultimately were dropped by the prosecutor.

Based on testimony from the same deputy, the prosecutor also questioned whether the deputies could have arrested the defendant for a curfew violation according to their own policy.

READ: Florida reports more than 11,500 new COVID-19 cases, 125 virus-related deaths

An internal investigation found two responding deputies did not use excessive force but did use inappropriate language and conduct toward Davis while trying to restrain him.