Winter Haven Police Officer Accused Of Breaking Suspect's Leg

WINTER HAVEN, FL – The Polk County Sheriff's Office arrested Winter Haven Police Officer Brandon Boone Tuesday, Aug. 28, for his involvement in an arrest in which a man’s leg was broken.

Boone, 34, has been suspended without pay pending the conclusion of an internal investigation.

Boone’s arrest stems from an incident at 4:50 p.m. on June 23 when Boone took Ronal Augustin, 35, of Winter Haven into custody after a traffic stop in which Boone found marijuana in Augustin’s car.

Augustin was on felony probation so he was taken to the holding area at the police department and then placed in Boone's patrol car for transport to the Polk County Jail in Bartow.

Right after leaving the station, Boone was contacted by his supervisor to come back to the station to assist with the transport of another arrestee.

Boone turned around to heed his supervisor’s orders and Augustin reportedly began using complaining about the delay, calling Boone profane names and telling him, “F..k you and f..k your kids. I hope you die.”

Once Boone arrived back at the police station, he escorted Augustin back into the holding area. During this time, Augustin continued to express his displeasure with profanity.

As they entered the holding area, Boone reportedly held Augustin by the arm and struck him in the butt with his knee.

He then led Augustin into a holding cell where a struggle ensued and Augustin landed on the floor with Boone restraining him. During the struggle, two officers went to assist Boone. They heard a popping sound and Augustin cried out that his leg was broken.

Boone called for medical help and paramedics transported to a medical facility where he had surgery on his leg.

After reviewing the video from inside the holding area, Chief Charlie Bird called for an independent investigation by the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Following the sheriff’s investigation, the case was turned over to the State Attorney's Office and Boone was charged with felony battery.

Boone was hired as a police officer by the Winter Haven Police Department on Oct. 31, 2016, and became a field training officer on Sept. 27, 2017. He was appointed to the Emergency Response Team on May 10. His annual salary is $40,518.40.

"Our officers provide excellence in conducting a professional job every day," said Bird during a press conference Tuesday. "I cannot let one person tarnish the good work of the men and women in this organization. If we don't do what's right here, we are no better than the criminals."

Image via Winter Haven Police

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