Broward deputy accused of using handcuffs as brass knuckles in excessive force complaint
By: The Broward County Sheriff's Office has initiated an internal investigation following the rough arrest of a North Miami man over the summer.
The investigation began after the public defender’s office saw body camera footage that they say shows excessive force used by a Broward County Sheriff's deputy during a July 15th arrest.
The video captures a suspect, identified as 19-year-old Ka Traughan Dones, being arrested for domestic battery and then things getting physical when the deputy asked Dones to turn around so he could be handcuffed.
During the altercation, the deputy can be seen using his handcuffs as brass knuckles to punch the suspect, who was already in handcuffs.
According to public defender Gordon Weekes, the suspect suffered abrasions on his head and a black eye as a result of the punch.
Weekes has requested an investigation into the incident and says that the use of handcuffs as brass knuckles is offensive to both law enforcement and the community.
In addition to the internal investigation, the incident will also be reviewed by the Broward County Sheriff's Office's use of force review board.
Dones is facing charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence.