Florida Teen Won't Face Charges Following Rough Arrest

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — The Broward State Attorney's Office said Tuesday it will not prosecute a 15-year-old boy who can be seen on cellphone video being slammed to the ground by Broward Sheriff's Office deputies during a rough arrest last week outside a McDonald's restaurant in South Florida.

“The Broward State Attorney’s Office has made the decision that we will not file any charges against the 15-year-old juvenile who was arrested on Thursday in Tamarac," said a statement released late Tuesday afternoon by the office of Broward State Attorney Michael J. Satz.

The video appears to show deputies using pepper spray on the teenager, throwing him to the ground, banging his forehead several times and punching him. The incident took place near J.P. Taravella High School.

The Broward deputies involved have been identified as Sgt. Gregory LaCerra and Deputy Christopher Krickovich.

Earlier on Tuesday, the family of the boy retained well-known civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump, who identified the teen involved as 15-year-old Delucca Rolle, also known as Lucca.

Crump will partner with South Florida attorney Sue-Ann Robinson to represent the family.

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“It is unconscionable what we’ve seen happen to Lucca at the hands of local law enforcement who are sworn to serve and protect,” Crump said. “Once again, we see that this promise does not extend to people of color — one would hope that an unarmed 15-year-old child would not be treated in this brutal manner, no matter the circumstances. Starting now, we will seek justice through every avenue possible for Lucca and his family.”

The case has drawn outrage from Broward County Mayor Mark Bogen, who maintains deputies crossed the line.

"The behavior of these BSO deputies is outrageous and unacceptable," the mayor said. "The officer who jumped the student, punched and banged his head should be fired. I have a problem with the deputy who threw him to the ground after he pepper sprayed him. He could’ve easily arrested him after the spray."

Bogen went on to say that the issue for him comes down to resistance. "In law enforcement, if the alleged perpetrator is not resisting, then there is no justification to use force," Bogen said. "When the student was on the ground, he did not resist at all."

The state attorney's office added that an investigation is ongoing into the actions of the two deputies involved in the arrest at 8735 N. Pine Island Road.

Reacting to the decision not to prosecute the boy, Broward Sheriff Tony Gregory said that he decided to change the status of the two deputies involved.

"As we continue to gather information in our internal investigation, I have decided to change the deputies’ status from restricted administrative assignment to a suspended status as our investigation continues,” said Gregory.