FWC Officer Attacked While Responding to Illegal Camping in Hawthorne, FL | Suspect Tased, Arrested

A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officer responded to a report of an illegally parked vehicle on SJWMD property near the Orange Creek Wildlife Restoration Area in Hawthorne, Florida.
When the officer approached suspect, he was reportedly packing his belongings but became noncompliant. As he attempted to enter his vehicle, the officer tried to stop him. She deployed her taser, which was reported as ineffective. And allegedly struck and scratched the officer’s hands while trying to start the vehicle.
The officer managed to open the door, remove suspect from the car, and handcuff him. He has been charged with:
• Battery on a law enforcement officer
• Resisting an officer without violence
• Lighting a fire on water district property
• Illegally entering gated property
• Camping and parking overnight
• Littering over 15 pounds

Disclaimer: Persons depicted in this video are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court of law. This video is for educational and news purposes only. All information has been supplied by law enforcement agencies and is considered by law to be public domain information. Body-worn camera footage has been edited for length and in accordance with community guidelines while maintaining a journalistic focus.