Florida

Jury Awards $15,500 to Man Beaten by Former Orlando Police Officer

A federal jury deliberated for two days before awarding $15,500 to a man who was handcuffed, kicked and punched by an Orlando, Florida, police officer during a protest.

Jurors said former officer William Escobar used excessive force and caused injury to Refus Holloway in 2014. They didn't find wrongdoing on the part of a second officer, Joel Williams.

Escobar was fired by the department after the incident.

The Orlando Sentinel reports the officers were responding to reports of a fight that ended before they arrived. Escobar accused Holloway of charging at him and ignoring commands. A video taken by Holloway's sister showed Escobar kicking and punching the man as he was handcuffed on the ground.

Escobar was acquitted last year of misdemeanor and battery charges.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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