Sheriff: Orange County deputy used excessive force

ORLANDO, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - An Orange County sheriff's deputy has been suspended without pay, accused of using excessive force.

Video taken from a body camera showed Deputy Ayler Cruz tased a man after the man asked why he had to follow the deputy's instructions to to get to the ground.  Cruz was responding to a residence on Ridge Pointe Drive in Orlando, for an aggravated battery call.  Deputies later identified that man as a possible domestic violence suspect. 

An internal investigation concluded that Cruz used excessive force.  Cruz where he was suspended without pay for 81 hours and referred to our Training Unit for retraining.

“At the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, we hold our deputies to the highest ethical standards whether they are on duty or off duty. We are committed to serving this community with integrity and ensuring that any alleged misconduct is thoroughly investigated and that the results of that investigation are made public” said Sheriff John Mina.

Cruz has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office since August of 2017.