TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Victims of alleged police violence gathered in Winter Haven on Sunday to share encounters they’ve had with the Lakeland Police Department.
The gathering comes after several controversial arrests, as well as videos of some of the encounters circulation on social media.
The families gathered in a local church to show what they’re calling a pattern of abuse from the Lakeland Police Department.
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One person after another claimed the police department had used excessive force against them, alleging police misconduct. Disturbing cell phone videos capture some of the encounters.
Last month, two officers were captured on video punching a 16-year-old boy multiple times before tasing him.
“But he had to fight two men who decided to punch him and tase him because of a disagreement at a swimming pool,” attorney Bobby DiCello said.
In 2022, cellphone video showed Antwan Glover being beaten and tased by Lakeland police after being stopped for a seatbelt violation.