Video: Cop Slams Handcuffed Man

A St. Petersburg Police Officer has resigned amid allegations of excessive use of force.

According to the police department, Officer Andrew Cane’s actions on Aug. 20 were brought into question by other officers. The agency says Cane arrested a man near 211 3rd St. N. and was seen on video handcuffing him and then throwing him to the ground.

A Command Review Board meeting was convened Tuesday to look into the allegations of use of unnecessary force, improper procedures, falsification and the possible commission of a crime. Cane, the agency reported, resigned before the board concluded.

Allegations against the officer, who was sworn in 2011, have been upheld.

The subject arrested has not been identified. The agency noted in an email to media the men did not file a complaint and he was uninjured during the incident.

Two other St. Petersburg Police Department employees also had their cases heard Tuesday. They are:

• Civilian employee Shield Cunningham – The 17-year employee was accused of using the Driver and Vehicle Information Database inappropriately on Jan. 15. The agency said Cunningham was suspended for 200 hours after that complaint was upheld. When she returned to work, however, she was accused again using the system, known as DAVID, to look up a friend’s information. The board upheld a decision to terminate Cunningham’s employment.
• Officer Jason Irvin – The complaint against Irvin stems from a June 2014 off-duty DUI. The board upheld the complaint that alleged conduct unbecoming of an officer and guilt/commission of a felony/misdemeanor and ordered a 160-hour work suspension. Irvin has also been forbidden to use alcohol for five years and must submit to random drug and alcohol tests for 18 months. The court case is still pending.

St. Petersburg Police Department YouTube video