Update: Florida Cop Who Harassed and Assaulted Disabled Veteran Now Facing Charges

It was announced earlier today that the Sgt. Garry Wilson, of the Riviera Beach Police Department, has been charged with battery and criminal mischief, resulting from a confrontation he had with Isiah James over whether he should be using a handicapped parking space. (See video embedded below.)

In the incident, which James recorded on his cell phone, Wilson can be seen insisting that James should not be using the handicapped parking space, because he doesn’t believe he is disabled enough. Wilson bases that on the fact that James was able to walk into the store and back.

In spite of James explaining to him that he his mobility is limited to short distances due to the effects of an IED explosion in the Middle East, Wilson continues arguing that he isn’t sufficiently disabled to use the space. He does so in a very insulting and harassing manner. In addition, at one point he slaps the phone out of James’ hand to try and prevent him from filming the encounter. In the video, James states that he broke his phone in the process.

Via the Palm Beach Post:

Sgt. Garry Wilson Charged VeteranSgt. Garry Wilson, a 20-year member of the department, will be arraigned on Dec. 2 on battery and criminal mischief charges. Both charges are misdemeanors.

Wilson was placed on administrative leave Aug. 11 after he was caught on film knocking a smartphone out of Isiah James’ hands during an argument over a handicap parking space outside at the Walgreens store at Broadway and Blue Heron Boulevard.

James captured the dispute on his cellphone. Wilson can be heard berating James, saying he has no right to park his vehicle in the handicapped space and that he isn’t disabled. Ultimately, Wilson grew so upset that he knocked the phone out of James’ hands, damaging it.

James posted the video on Facebook and it quickly went viral.

James served three tours with the Army in Afghanistan and Iraq between 2006 and 2011. He sustained a traumatic brain injury and wears braces on both of his legs.

Based on the legal definition of criminal mischief in Florida, it appears both charges are related to Sgt. Wilson slapping the phone out of James’ hand.

Shorter/Edited Video

 

Full, Unedited Video

EPN2

obsolete police badge us-Santa Monica parking Old Style Badge Blackinton picture

obsolete police badge us-Santa Monica parking Old Style Badge Blackinton

$250.00



SECURITY BADGE Super Clean New, Blackinton 7 Pt. Star Excellent #131 Obsolete. picture

SECURITY BADGE Super Clean New, Blackinton 7 Pt. Star Excellent #131 Obsolete.

$19.99



Antique Generic Patrolman Illinois Star Special Police Badge picture

Antique Generic Patrolman Illinois Star Special Police Badge

$175.00



William H. Parker Foundation Commemorative Badge picture

William H. Parker Foundation Commemorative Badge

$499.99



RARE Springfield ILL. Housing Authority Inspector Badge OBSOLETE picture

RARE Springfield ILL. Housing Authority Inspector Badge OBSOLETE

$60.00



One Of A Kind -Vintage -OBSOLETE -Sergeant - Protective Services Security Badge picture

One Of A Kind -Vintage -OBSOLETE -Sergeant - Protective Services Security Badge

$100.00



COLUMBUS POLICE BADGE picture

COLUMBUS POLICE BADGE

$130.00



c1910-20 Antique Generic Deputy Sheriff Badge - Pennsylvania State Seal PA picture

c1910-20 Antique Generic Deputy Sheriff Badge - Pennsylvania State Seal PA

$99.99



Concealed Weapons CCW Badge WITH HOLDER picture

Concealed Weapons CCW Badge WITH HOLDER

$59.99



Terminator 2: Judgment Day T-1000's  Badge #572 picture

Terminator 2: Judgment Day T-1000's Badge #572

$83.00



Kelly W. Patterson

a lifelong resident of Las Vegas, who's been very active in local grassroots activism, as well as on a national level during his extensive travels. He's also the founder/main contributor of Nevada CopBlock, Editor/contributor at CopBlock.org and designed the Official CopBlock Press Passes. ____________________________________________________________________________ If you appreciate Kelly's contributions to CopBlock, consider donating to the CopBlock Network and/or visiting the CopBlock Store. ____________________________________________________________________________ Connect with Kelly at these social networks; Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.