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Army LT Pepper Sprayed within Minutes of Being Pulled Over
Published 3 years ago
Early December 2020, 2nd LT Caron Nazario of the U.S. Army Medical Corps was pulled over due to heavily tinted windows and a missing rear license plate. To most, this would seem like an ordinary traffic violation, but shortly after took a turn for the worst.
Officer Daniel Crocker was the first to officially spot the traffic violated vehicle, when he then attempted to pull over the vehicle driven by Nazario. As stated, Officer Crocker reported the vehicle was not complying, and radioed for assistance from fellow Officer Joe Gutierrez.
The vehicle stopped some distance later, when Nazario pulled into a gas station. Reports stated by Nazario say he put on his hazard lights and drove to a neutral location, well lit for the officer's safety.
Moments after Nazario's vehicle came to a halt, Crocker and Gutierrez exited their cruisers, and drew weapons immediately. After a few moments of both Officer's yelling for Nazario to step out of the vehicle and comply with them, they approached the vehicle with extra caution. Nazario at a loss for words as to why their weapons were drawn.
After some back and forth banter, Officer Gutierrez grew impatient with Nazario, when he holstered his firearm and drew his pepper spray. Gutierrez proceeded to spray Nazario multiple times, hitting him directly in the eyes.
Being choked out and blinded by the spray, Nazario complied with the Officer's as they opened the vehicle door. Officer Crocker attempted to assist Nazario exiting the vehicle, but was then told by Officer Gutierrez to not go near him. As he exits the vehicle, Nazario is taken to the ground and immediately cuffed.
As of recent, Officer Gutierrez has been revoked of his badge, and Officer Crocker's status is unknown.
Nazario is currently filing a lawsuit, seeking one-million dollars for the humiliation and violation of constitutional rights.
Lets hear your thoughts. If you were in the same situation, how would you have handled this? Leave it in the comments below.