St. Pete Officer Suspended For Conduct At Tampa Concert

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - A St. Petersburg police officer has been suspended for eight days and is prohibited from drinking alcohol for five years for his conduct at a Tampa concert in which he allegedly pushed a security guard, according to the police department.

On July 14, 2017, Officer Curtis Wright attended the concert of country star Sam Hunt at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater. During the concert, Wright thought someone had stolen his e-cigarette. In his attempt to locate it, he was separated from his girlfriend. Police say Wright allegedly encountered event security guards while he was looking for her, and became belligerent and repeatedly pushed one of the guards.

Also, police say Wright did not immediately cooperate with Hillsborough County deputies who came to assist, and they detained him. He was later released after the victim did not wish to prosecute for the simple battery. Deputies and security guards described Wright as appearing intoxicated during the incident, according to police.

A Command Review Board was held Jan. 12, Police Chief Anthony Holloway sustained complaints against Wright for "conduct unbecoming an employee" and committing an act that could have resulted in "conviction or guilt of a felony or misdemeanor."

Along with the suspension and alcohol prohibition, Wright must undergo random testing for alcohol use for 18 months, and receive counseling.

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