Beating of Wheelchair-Bound Inmate by Deputy Caught on Camera, Cops Say

Watch the video at the bottom of this post.

A 47-year-old Pinellas County Jail detention deputy is out of a job after an investigation determined he used excessive force in handling an inmate’s refusal to go to a medical appointment.

According to an email from the sheriff’s office, the incident that led to the firing of Deputy Raymond Ferrio Tuesday took place back on Oct. 1. Ferrio was tasked around 8 a.m. that day with bringing the inmate to a sick call. The inmate, however, didn’t want to go.

Protesting removal from his housing unit, the inmate, who was in a wheelchair due to a debilitating health condition, put his feet down, the email stated.

“Ferrio then wrapped his arm around the inmate’s neck, pulling him from the wheelchair and dumping him onto the floor, shattering his dentures,” the email stated. “While the inmate was on the ground he struck him with his fists and knees before securing him in restraints.”

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The sheriff’s office concluded that the inmate never threatened the deputy, nor did he pose a physical threat to staff.

“Investigators say Ferrio admitted that the use of force was not justified and he ‘got caught up in the moment,’” the sheriff’s office wrote.

The exchange was captured on Pinellas County Jail surveillance cameras. The video has since been released to the public by the agency.

Ferrio was fired effective Jan. 20. It is unclear if he will face any criminal charges.

The sheriff’s office has not released the inmate’s identity.

Image via Shutterstock

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