ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. – A Zephyrhills police officer has been fired after authorities say he Tasered a man without cause.
Authorities say Officer Tim Claussen went to Lester Brown’s home last month to investigate a retail theft and ordered Brown to come out of the house. Video shows a compliant Brown with his hands up. He does not appear to be resisting when the video shows Claussen firing his Taser.
According to a news release, the agency started an internal investigation and put Claussen on leave.
Zephyrhills City Attorney Joseph Poblick told the Tampa Bay Times the investigation determined “the deployment of that Taser was unjustified.” Claussen was fired Wednesday.
It’s unclear if Claussen will face criminal charges. Claussen is white and the man he Tasered was black, but the police chief said race was not a factor.
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