Police in Casselberry, Florida tasered and handcuffed a man after he refused to produce identification when they stopped him for jaywalking, according to the Daily Mail. Officers tasered Zikomo Peurifoy three ties before cuffing him and taking him into custody, but rather than apologize for using violence against a non-violent suspect, police have said they are considering using the video for training purposes.
Zikomo Peurifoy and his companion Noelle Price were crossing a street in Casselberry when they were stopped by police. Price, who was also taken into custody, but released without charge, began to film the encounter with her phone.
Officers demanded to see Peurifoy's ID, but he refused to comply. The confrontation rapidly escalated, with Peurifoy and Price repeatedly asking the officers to get their supervisor. The officers attempted to place Peurifoy in handcuffs, but he refused, saying the request for his ID was not a "lawful order," but insisting repeatedly, "I am not resisting arrest."
"You are being recorded," Price told the officers, voice rising as all four people became more agitated. "Don't fight them!" she shouted to Peurifoy, then, "He is not resisting arrest!" at the officers.
Shortly after, the officer holding a taser to Peurifoy's chest fired the device and Peurifoy bellowed in pain, then broke free of the police.
"This is assault!" he shouted, "This is assault!"
Police used the taser at least two more times before taking the man down and putting him in handcuffs.
Police found a firearm on Peurifoy, which he was licensed to carry. Price was illegally carrying a handgun, as well as brass knuckles, pepper spray and a knife.
When questioned over issues of excessive force in the encounter, Casselberry Police Captain David Del Rosso said that he sees nothing wrong with the video and that he would use it as an example of how to successfully deal with an uncooperative suspect.
"The officers were polite the whole time through and gave good verbal commands," he said, "You hear the officer saying why he stopped him."
Watch video of the incident, embedded via YouTube, below:
