A Tampa police officer was recently suspended for a violation of policies during an arrest. An investigation determined that the police officer’s use of force was unreasonable, excessive, and was not necessary, compromising the professionalism, ethics, and objectives expected of a Tampa Police Officer.
The Tampa Police Department issued a thirty-day suspension that started last month after an internally initiated investigation determined that an officer violated departmental policies related to Professional Responsibility and Philosophy of Enforcement; Standard of Conduct; and Response to Resistance during the arrest of a suspect on April 14, 2025.
“As a department, we recognize that accountability is essential in maintaining trust with our community,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. “When those standards are not met, it is my priority that decisive action be taken. In this case, a severe 30-day suspension and required remedial training reflects the Tampa Police Department’s commitment to those we serve. These corrective measures are meant to ensure our officers serve with integrity and uphold the values our community expects and deserves.”
On April 14, 2025, Tampa Police officers were conducting surveillance on a black Hyundai Sonata which had fled from multiple previous attempts at traffic stops. Just before 9:00 pm, a traffic stop was conducted on the car at the intersection of N Nebraska Ave and E Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Blvd after the car failed to stop at the intersection of E Virginia Ave and N Nebraska Ave. The driver and sole occupant, later identified as 31-year-old Charles Wilson, then fled from the traffic stop…