Thomas Farley Tasing Incident: Palm Bay Police Face Scrutiny Over Use of Force

Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump Demands Justice and Accountability After Local Man is Left Paralyzed

October 31, 2024 - Palm Bay, FL — A recent incident involving the Palm Bay Police Department has drawn significant attention, both locally and nationally. The June 28th tasing of Thomas Farley by Officer Derrick Mitchell has drawn scrutiny regarding the use of force. An internal investigation by the Palm Bay Police Department concluded that the force used was justified according to departmental policy and state law. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has taken on the case, sparking a broader discussion on community-police relations and the implications for Palm Bay.

The Encounter at Circle K

On June 28, 2024, Thomas Farley, a 32-year-old Palm Bay resident, stopped at a Circle K gas station on Babcock Street after work. He recognized an acquaintance among a group of men who were present. Soon after, officers arrived in response to a call about suspicious individuals at the location. The sight of police prompted all five men, including Farley, to run. During the ensuing pursuit, Officer Derrick Mitchell deployed a taser as Farley attempted to climb a fence, resulting in Farley’s fall and a broken neck, which left him paralyzed from the neck down.

According to police reports, Farley was tased while scaling the fence after multiple commands to stop running and comply with officers. The officer deployed the taser twice, and during the second attempt, Farley fell forward, causing the fence to break and resulting in his catastrophic injury. Attorney Ben Crump has argued that Farley had not committed any crime that justified such a level of force, stating that Farley was fleeing out of fear rather than engaging in any illegal activity. Crump called the charges brought against Farley—including resisting arrest without violence, loitering, and possession of a controlled substance  (0.7 grams of MDMA) unjust given the catastrophic outcome.

Legal Developments and Public Statements

Attorney Ben Crump has become a leading figure in the fight for justice in this case. Together with attorneys LaFonda Middleton and Natalie Jackson, Crump held a press conference on October 30th at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, FL. He demanded transparency and accountability from the Palm Bay Police Department, calling for the immediate dropping of charges against Farley.

Crump also released bodycam footage from the encounter, which has drawn attention to the circumstances of the use of force. The footage shows Farley lying face down after being tased, repeatedly telling officers that he could not move and that he thought he had broken his neck. Farley’s pleas, captured on camera, have intensified calls for accountability and highlighted the challenging balance between public perception, which often demands stricter scrutiny of police actions, and the findings of the internal investigation, which concluded that the officers adhered to proper protocols and complied with existing legal standards.

During the press conference, Crump argued that Farley was simply fleeing and was unjustly charged with resisting arrest without violence, a charge he claimed is often weak and overused in situations like this. This sentiment resonates with many in the community who have grown increasingly wary of law enforcement's use of non-lethal force and the associated risks.

Palm Bay Police Department's Stance

Palm Bay Police Chief Mario Augello addressed the public through a statement issued after the press conference. Chief Augello stressed that an internal investigation was conducted immediately after the incident, which involved a detailed review by the Professional Standards Division and the Training Sergeant, a Master Taser Instructor. The investigation concluded that the officer’s actions were consistent with departmental policy and state law. According to Augello, Officer Mitchell followed all departmental policies and acted in compliance with Florida State Statutes regarding taser use.

Retired Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon, who reviewed the footage, also weighed in during an interview with WFTV. He indicated that while the force used might have followed protocol, transparency is critical in maintaining community trust. "The use of force investigative process is very clear. It justifies, or does not justify, the actions taken. In this case, a thorough process was exercised that showed the justification for the force used," Rolon explained. 

Calls for Justice and the Road Ahead

Thomas Farley's case shares similarities with other high-profile cases that have garnered national attention, including the Randy Cox case in Connecticut, also represented by Ben Crump. In that case, Randy Cox suffered severe spinal injuries while being transported in a police van without seatbelts, ultimately resulting in a significant settlement. The incident highlighted issues of police negligence and the treatment of individuals in custody. In that case, the victim suffered severe injuries while in police custody, ultimately resulting in a significant settlement. Although Farley’s case remains in its early stages, the involvement of prominent civil rights attorneys and the release of bodycam footage indicate that public scrutiny and pressure on the Palm Bay Police Department are likely to increase.

Conclusion: A Community in Search of Answers

The tragic consequences of the June 28th encounter have left Thomas Farley paralyzed and the community seeking clarity and accountability. As Farley remains hospitalized, his family, supported by their legal team, continues to advocate for their definition of justice, which they believe has yet to be served. The Palm Bay Police Department’s handling of this case—including its internal investigation and public communication—will undoubtedly face ongoing scrutiny as the community demands accountability.

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