Tampa officer suspended for kicking suspect in head; department says he used ‘excessive’ force

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Tampa police officer has been suspended after it was determined he used “excessive” force when he kicked a suspect in the head, the police department said.

Officer Bryan Velazquez, who has been employed with the police department for six years, was issued a 30-day suspension for his actions during the April 14 arrest, according to officials.

Man flees from deputies, hides under trailer home in Hillsborough County

Authorities had been conducting surveillance on a black Hyundai Sonata that night. According to police, the driver, 31-year-old Charles Wilson, had fled from multiple previous traffic stops.

Officers spotted the vehicle just before 9 p.m. at the intersection of North Nebraska Avenue and East Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. They tried to initiate another traffic stop, but said Wilson refused to pull over…

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