The jury found Gutierrez guilty of assault and must pay him $2,685 in damages, no malice. They took a lot of time with this decision. A lawsuit filed April 2 in Norfolk's federal court claims two Windsor police officers assaulted and threatened a person of color during a traffic stop. Deliberations began shortly after 1 p.m. Friday and continued until 5:30 p.m. They'll resume Jan. 17. He still works with Windsor Police. Crocker was liable for an illegal search, no malice. At that time, the officers decided to classify the traffic stop as high risk because, according to officer Crockers report on the stop, Nazario was eluding police and his SUVs window tint prevented officers from seeing inside. An attorney for Crocker commended the jurys decision Tuesday. Herrings investigation of the towns traffic stops was conducted in response to a 2020 stop involving Army Lt. Caron Nazario, a Black and Latino man who had guns drawn on him and was pepper sprayed by two Windsor police officers. Officers claimed the traffic stop escalated because Nazario didnt stop immediately and his rear license plate couldnt be seen; it was posted on the inside of the rear windshield. The town also claims the lawsuit erroneously assumes that only residents of Windsor and Isle of Wight county travel through the area, and ignores the fact that the main road in town Route 460 is a major thoroughfare. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, Attorney General Mark Herring and U.S. Sonny Stallings is a criminal lawyer in Virginia Beach. Eventually, Crocker attempted to open Nazarios door while he told him to calm down.. [Gutierrez] acknowledged it was [Nazarios] right. Document reveals first known Canadian UFO study in nearly 30 years now underway. Nevada woman caught with handgun inside carry-on bag at Norfolk Int'l Airport, TSA says, Support those in foster care with first annual 'Wish Upon a Star' Gala. He agrees that Nazario has a case. The stop sparked nationwide backlash and Virginia's attorney general later sued Windsor, a small town about 70 miles southeast of Richmond, alleging the town's police engaged in discriminatory. Jurors will resume deliberation on the $1 million lawsuit filed by Army Lt. Caron Nazario, who is suing two Windsor police officers for a controversial December 2020 traffic stop, on Tuesday. The Windsor Police Department is dedicated in their continuing efforts to work with and within the community, striving for a safe . Nazario was not charged in the incident. Video of police stop involving Lt. Caron Nazario. The first day of Army Lt. Caron Nazario's $1 million lawsuit against Windsor Police Officer Daniel Crocker and ex-officer Joe Gutierrez saw Nazario himself testify. Crockers legal team then cross examined Nazario on why he didnt stop at any closer businesses along Route 460, to which Nazario replied, Nothing stood out to me before arriving at the BP. It sounds like the officers in Windsor were trying to make an agreement with Lt. Nazario. The traffic stop happened on December 5, 2020, when former police officer Joe Gutierrez pepper-sprayed Lt. Caron Nazario, whose hands were up out of his car window. 8:51 PM EST, Fri January 20, 2023, Bodycam footage shows traffic stop of Army officer that led to lawsuit, VA Attorney General Attorney General Mark Herring speaks during a campaign event for Virginia gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe at Lubber Run Park, Arlington, Virginia on Friday, July 23, 2021 in Washington, DC. Windsor Police Chief Rodney "Dan" Riddle did not respond to a request for. If the Iditarod race inspired you, weve compiled a list of the best gear to keep your dog safe and happy throughout winter, as well as year-round. In this image made from Windsor, Va., Police video, a police officer speaks with Caron Nazario during a traffic stop, Dec. 20, 2020, in Windsor, Va. Prince Harry's decision to sue the British government over the removal of his police security could give him a legal bill in excess of $360,000 if he loses, a Freedom of Information Act request shows. ONGOING COVERAGE: Lt. Caron Nazario traffic stop in Windsor, Officer terminated following traffic stop involving U.S. Army Lieutenant, As Bowie archive finds new home at UK museum, start, 5 fun crafts for kids on St. Patricks Day, Inspired by the Iditarod race? Gutierrez whose employment with the department has since been terminated following an internal investigation and his partner, Daniel Crocker, are now the defendants in a lawsuit arguing that. A US Army officer who was pepper sprayed, pushed to the ground and handcuffed by Windsor, Virginia, police officers during a 2020 traffic stop was awarded around $3,600 Tuesday in a lawsuit that was seeking $1 million in compensatory damages. You can start building your own collection of David Bowie memorabilia thanks to his extensive body of music, film and more. What was his right? Nazario eventually got out of the vehicle after he was OC sprayed. Nazario stated that he wanted to pull over in a well-lit area. A Warner Bros. Now that clearly would be a violation of Lt. Nazarios constitutional rights.". Caron Nazario is seen in this still image from body camera footage holding his hands up during the traffic stop in Windsor, Virginia. The jury awarded 2nd Lt. Caron Nazario a total of $3,685 in the lawsuit against Windsor, Virginia, police officers Joe Gutierrez and Daniel Crocker. "We will be issuing subpoenas and written questions that have to be answered under oath by the defendants and we will ask for documents that they need to produce.". Attorney General Mark Herring in Richmond, Va., in October. The investigation revealed huge disparities in enforcement against African American drivers, and a troubling lack of policies and procedures to prevent discriminatory or unconstitutional policing, the statement said. In body camera footage from Crocker, Nazario said nobody would choose charges. Initially Nazario, who is Black and Latino and was wearing his service uniform, turned on his cell phone camera to record the incident. Im honestly afraid to get out of the car, he said, as he stayed in his seat. As such, the jury will be tasked only with awarding damages for the search, as well as deciding whether either officers actions constituted false imprisonment and assault and battery. Matthews contended in his opening that any damages stemming from the search were absolutely and totally minimal.. A Black soldier in uniform who was pepper-sprayed in his car by Virginia police officers during a traffic stop has been awarded less than $4,000 in a million-dollar lawsuit against the two officers. Updated: 4:19 PM EST February 11, 2022. The suit comes after a monthslong investigation, which Attorney General Mark Herring said uncovered a pattern of discriminatory, unconstitutional policing.. RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) A federal jury reached a verdict in a case against two Windsor police officers accused of conducting a violent traffic stop involving Virginia Army National Guard. Young ruled in August that Crockers removal of a firearm from Nazarios car to check its serial number constituted an illegal search. Arthur said Nazarios Fourth Amendment rights were violated when officers exercised and unreasonable use of force and temporarily seized Nazarios gun. Start your morning in-the-know with the day's top stories. The lawsuit by 2nd Lt. Caron Nazario, who is Black and Latino, is seeking $1 million in compensatory damages, claiming two Windsor, Virginia, police officers violated his rights guaranteed under . Caesars Windsor is celebrating 15 years of headline entertainment with a popular comedian and actor. It would . The Windsor police also ended grant-funded patrols, saying it was in the best interest of our agency and our community.. Warning: this is hard to watch. About 2,600 people live in Windsor, a town roughly 70 miles southeast of Richmond. * School Resource Officer. Officers Joe Gutierrez and Daniel Crocker stopped Nazario for a missing rear license plate in 2020. The community they serve is nearly 30 square miles with a population of 28,500 citizens. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Nazario filed a lawsuit in April against Windsor Police Officer Daniel Crocker and former officer Gutierrez, saying his First Amendment and Fourth Amendment rights were violated during the December 2020 traffic stop. appreciated. Thank you for a job well done, well-reasoned. He put at least one hand outside his drivers side window after officers ordered him several times to do so. It will close again on Friday, Dec. 30 at noon and remain closed through Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. There are currently 12 open civil lawsuits against the Windsor Police Service totalling more than $46 million and those involve allegations such as collusion, malicious prosecution, assault. Herrings office filed its lawsuit in late December, just two weeks before the two-term Democrat left office. He was pulled over, pepper sprayed, and arrested without explanation.This is racism. Jane Harper, The Virginian-Pilot. The trial for an Army reservist's civil lawsuit against two Windsor police officers is underway in U.S. District Court in Richmond. The Windsor Police Department will close Friday, Dec. 23 at noon and will remain closed through Monday, Dec. 26, in observance of the Christmas holiday. Additionally, the law enforcement community has considered seriously the failure of officers like Daniel Crocker to promptly intervene to end an unjust police-civilian encounter as it unfolds. A judge appointed a special prosecutor after the Isle of Wight Commonwealths Attorney, Georgette Philips, recused herself. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, pepper-spraying a U.S. Army lieutenant during a traffic stop, moves to stay proceedings on the Complaint. Isle of Wight Commonwealths Attorney, Georgette Philips, recused herself. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Monday night, News 3 learned Crocker has joined Gutierrez asking a judge to dismiss the complaint regarding the claim for First Amendment violation. * Conduct Investigations. Lieutenant Nazario is gratified by the outpouring of support this weekend for the civil rights lawsuit he filed last week, says a statement from Thomas H. Roberts & Associates, P.C. Biden surveys Ida cleanup in, Drugmaker Eli Lilly will cap the cost of insulin, Deputies searching for missing Currituck man, Police continue search for Portsmouth woman missing, Man dead after shooting at Virginia Beach hotel, Kitchen fire breaks out at Olde Huntersville home, Greek transport minister resigns over train crash;, Naval Station Yorktown built on African American, 15-year-old charged in Oscar Smith bomb threats, Supreme Court hears cases on student loan forgiveness, Crews respond to fire at Captain Ds Seafood in VB, Biden touts health care plans compared to MAGA Republicans, Investigation prompts missing persons policy change, Effects linger from wrongful accusation in Norfolk, VB hit-and-run victim still searching for justice, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Gutierrez was ordered to pay $2,685 in damages, no malice, under liability for assault. Sessions with Utsey have cost a cumulative $7,000, Nazario testified. It can occur as a result of living through combat, rape, a natural disaster, historical trauma, domestic violence or bullying. He also said this was when the officers attitudes toward Nazario changed. Example video title will go here for this video. "Williamson was found beaten to death in the . Chief Rodney Daniel Riddle of the Windsor Police emailed a statement from the town and the police department that said the decision to file a lawsuit against Windsor was clearly political.. The press conference will be streamed live on WRIC.com. A portion of the body camera video recorded during the stop captures Gutierrez speaking to Nazario after tensions calmed and he was waiting for the effects of the pepper spray to wear off. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. He also said they violated the First Amendment by threating Nazarios career if he complained. Lieutenant Nazario asked why he had been stopped and why the officers had drawn their guns. The lawsuit said after Crocker turned on his cruisers blue lights, Nazario traveled less than a mile and slowed down until he pulled into a BP gas station. At that time, when he was safe to drive, he would be free to go, Gutierrez said. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. He accused the officers of illegally searching his car, using excessive force and violating his rights under the First and Fourth Amendments. Did you encounter any technical issues? Rishi Sunak's Windsor Framework, the new Brexit package for Northern Ireland, is the result of months of painstaking negotiation.. The police actions were taken after Nazario told the officers he was afraid to step out of his vehicle because he feared they might harm him. PTSD symptoms, according to the American Psychiatric Association, include nightmares or flashbacks, feeling detached or estranged. (Photo by Oliver Contreras/SIPA USA)(Sipa via AP Images). Updated The Associated Press contributed to this report. Trial begins for Virginia police officers being sued by Army officer over traffic stop. Nazario said he did, and Crocker went into the vehicle to retrieve the gun, which Arthur, the attorney, contends was an illegal search. In April, Lieutenant Nazario filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. In this image made from Windsor, (Va.) Police video, A police officer uses a spray agent on Caron Nazario on Dec. 20, 2020, in Windsor, Va. Nazario, a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, is suing two Virginia police officers over a traffic stop during which he says the officers drew their guns and pointed them at him as he was dressed in uniform. Example video title will go here for this video. In August, a federal judge already ruled that Crocker is liable for an illegal search, violating the 4th amendment when he searched Nazario's car. The police department provides law enforcement services to the Town of Windsor including but not limited to: * Patrol Duties. From July 1, 2020, to Sept. 30, 2021, Windsor police conducted 1,907 traffic stops, in which 810 of the drivers were Black, according to the lawsuit, filed in circuit court in Isle of Wight County. The attorney general announced an investigation that month. You can start building your own collection of David Bowie memorabilia thanks to his extensive body of music, film and more. We hope with this lawsuit the Town of Windsor will take this matter seriously and they will have no other choice but to sit down and have a results-driven conversation with the African American community, she said. RICHMOND The first day of Army Lt. Caron Nazarios $1 million lawsuit against Windsor Police Officer Daniel Crocker and ex-officer Joe Gutierrez saw Nazario himself testify. Nazario was ultimately let go without charges. Herring to file this lawsuit, except perhaps for the sake of headlines, which he will surely receive, the statement said. Nazarios attorneys filed a motion for a new trial on Friday, according to court documents obtained by CNN. Thats when he activated the video camera on his cellphone to record the encounter. Senator Tim Kaine have all released statements condemning the actions of the two officers and called for a criminal investigation into the incident. Weve launched an investigation and youll definitely be hearing from us later.. The lawsuit claims that Gutierrez said the charges could impact Nazarios career with the Army. Biden announces aggressive new, Newsfeed Now: Biden to launch new plan against COVID-19, Newsfeed Now: Health experts concerned about COVID-19, Newsfeed Now: Pres. Nazarios driving a car with dark tinted windows, coupled with Gutierrez only having arrived after originally heading in the opposite direction until hearing Crockers felony traffic stop call, Silverman contended, meant there was no way for Gutierrez to know whether the car had been stolen or if it was carrying contraband. Watch it anyway. That number was much higher than expected based on the number of Black residents in the town, the office said. The Virginia National Guard has behavioral health specialists and chaplain support available to any service member impacted by this event, and unit leaders are available to have an open dialogue with their Soldiers if they have concerns. Deliberations began shortly after 1 p.m. Friday and continued until 5:30 p.m. They'll resume Jan. 17. The incident took place on Dec. 5, 2020, when Nazario was pulled over by officers Gutierrez and Crocker who claim Nazario did not have a rear license plate showing on his Chevrolet Tahoe. The body camera footage records Nazario repeatedly asking, Whats going on? Gutierrez at one point answers by telling Nazario he was fixin to ride the lightning, a phrase Nazarios lawsuit contends is a colloquial reference to an execution. Boss, basketball &, Youngkin to take part in CNN town hall amid 2024, Guilford school board bill gets 1st reading in NC, Back-to-back hurricanes more likely to happen: Study, Al-Qaida chiefs pattern of life was key to death, Bike tours raising awareness for bone marrow registry, 180 days in jail possible for ski pass fraud, Pilot, passenger walk away from plane crash on E-470, Watch: 4 mountain lions prowl Colorado neighborhood, Hospital bills $847 facility fee for Zoom call, Good Samaritan helps rescue kids from icy pond, Whats next in unprecedented case of truck driver. WINDSOR, Va. - After five days of jury deliberation, a verdict has been reached on Tuesday in the $1.5 million lawsuit filed by Army Lt. Caron Nazario, who is suing two Windsor police. Caron Nazario says his constitutional rights were violated by the traffic stop in the town of Windsor in December. On cross examination, Silverman went after Nazarios credibility, noting hed been recorded telling the officers he was preparing in December 2020 to deploy to either Kuwait or Afghanistan. Its about the domination and humiliation of a Black man because he asked questions and didnt comply. pic.twitter.com/RFE79TjWJ8. The jury in Virginia National Guard 1st Lt. Caron Nazario's lawsuit against Windsor Police Officer Daniel Crocker and ex-officer Joe Gutierrez has adjourned for the weekend without reaching a verdict. The officers ultimately released Nazario and no charges were filed against him. Body camera footage showed Gutierrez pepper spray Nazario when he would not get out of the car. Crocker, he noted, had been only six weeks out of the police academy at the time, and had been in field training under the supervision of Gutierrez. Whether you want to DIY it or go with a craft kit, theres something for everyone this St. Patricks Day. This has got to stop, said Jonathan Arthur, Nazarios Richmond-based attorney who believes his client is a victim of police brutality. A lawsuit filed April 2 in Norfolk's federal court claims two Windsor police officers assaulted and threatened a person of color during a traffic stop. Murdoch made the admission during a deposition in a $1.6bn lawsuit brought by a voting . Awarded by the state authorities, the annual grants ranged last year from $900 to the village of Exmore for catching seatbelt violations, to $1 million to Fairfax County for drunken-driving enforcement. It's the latest development in a case prompted by a traffic stop involving Nazario and Windsor Officers Gutierrez and Daniel Crocker. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Nazario uttered several expletives and said he cant breathe as Gutierrez demanded him to get out of his car. Read the lawsuit Army Lt. Caron Nazario filed against Windsor Police. ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY, Va. It has been nearly two years ago, to the day, a duo of Windsor police officers pulled over Army 2nd Lt. Caron Nazario for a missing rear license plate. Stay with 8News for updates and continuing coverage of this story. Valerie Cofer Butler, the president of the N.A.A.C.P. In making these erroneous and conclusory allegations Plaintiff has attempted to put blinders on this court and by stating conclusions that are totally untrue, Conrad wrote in the court filing. WINDSOR, Va. The former Windsor Police officer fired after pepper-spraying a U.S. Army lieutenant during a traffic stop is asking for a judge to dismiss part of the $1 million lawsuit against him. Windsor, including its police department, remains vigilant in protecting the rights of all residents of the town, Isle of Wight County, Commonwealth of Virginia and nation, regardless of race or gender, who pass through its limits, the statement said. Jury deliberations are underway in Army Lt. Caron Nazario's $1 million lawsuit against Windsor Police Officer Daniel Crocker and ex-officer Joe Gutierrez, the trial for which is taking place at the Spottswood W. Robinson III and Robert R. Merhige Jr. Federal Courthouse in Richmond. Discovery Company. Crocker initiated the traffic stop after seeing a dark SUV with dark tinted windows and no license plate, police reports show. Nazarios lawsuit said the vehicle was new and he didnt have permanent plates yet, but he had cardboard temporary plates taped to the inside of the rear window. Nazario, who is currently stationed at Fort Lee, Virginia, was traveling with his dog in his newly-purchased 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe West on U.S. 460 in the Town of Windsor when Officer Daniel Crocker initiated a traffic stop. Caron Nazario was never arrested. If you need to file a police report, call dispatch at 707-565-2121. Were very concerned about what weve seen, said Valarie Butler, president of the Isle of Wight chapter of the NAACP. (Windsor Police via AP). Gutierrez is represented by Jessica Swauger and Coreen Silverman of the Glen Allen firm Hancock, Daniel & Johnson. As officers continued their orders and moved closer to the drivers side window of Nazarios vehicle, Nazario asked several times why he was being pulled over. Every story has two sides, she noted, stating traffic stops are high risk. She also noted Nazarios New York plate had expired two months prior to the incident. Once standing outside of the car, Gutierrez exercised knee-strikes and Crocker helped to eventually force Nazario to the ground and handcuff him. The lawsuit, which was filed in Norfolk Federal Court April 2, said the incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5. The Isle of Wight branch and the Virginia NAACP plans to hold a press conference at 6 p.m. Monday to address the incident. Body camera video of the traffic stop showed the officers drawing their guns, pointing them at Nazario and using a slang term that Nazario was about to "ride the lightning" to suggest he was facing execution before pepper-spraying him and knocking him to the ground. In court, lawyers for the officers argued Nazario continued driving for 1.1 miles after Crocker initiated his lights and sirens and did not pull over at a number of potential locations, WTVR reported. "The most important thing about today is we have a green light to begin the intense discovery that we plan to do," he said. Nazario had a temporary New York plate taped to the inside of his cars rear window, but Crocker said he didnt see it and accused the lieutenant of eluding police for having driven roughly a mile down Route 460 to a BP gas station before stopping. Nazario testified he turned the engine of his then-new 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe off upon Crocker shouting for him to do so, and rolled his window down, expecting to see an officer approach. RICHMOND, Va. (AP) A Virginia town has announced that one of two police officers accused of pepper-spraying and pointing . Gutierrez said the chief confirmed Nazario didnt have to be charged with obstruction of justice and not having license plates displayed. The officers proceeded to pepper spray Lieutenant Nazario while he was in his car, as he pleaded for them to make sure his dog, Smoke, was not choking in the back of the car. While they are glad Gutierrez was ultimately let go because of his actions in the incident, Arthur stated they must take this further. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. While the lawsuit does not and cannot ask for disciplinary action against the officers, Arthur said there needs to be accountability. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Southampton County land transfers January 2023, Resolution celebrating Black History Month adopted, Southampton County farmer receives 15-year service award, Broncos fall in 1B final, but earn state berth. Arthur said the lawsuit was filed in federal court because it alleges Nazario's constitutional rights were violated. Lt. Caron Nazario, of Latinx and African American descent, alleges that his constitutional rights were violated and race played a role. The lawsuit was filed in April after an internal investigation was completed, with the public raising major concerns about the incident. Arthur used the opportunity to highlight an exchange between Nazario and Gutierrez, captured in the body camera footage, where Nazario says, Im honestly afraid to get out and Gutierrez responds, You should be. The officers, Arthur argued, could have de-escalated the situation, but they didnt., Arthur then highlighted another exchange between Nazario and Gutierrez recorded on the body camera footage, in which the ex-officer gives Nazario a choice. The federal case, which began Monday, Jan. 9, is set for a five-day jury trial in Richmond. Earlier Monday morning, the lawyers for the three involved parties worked with Young to narrow down a pool of 46 jurors to nine, only one of whom is Black. Video footage of the incident, which went viral in April 2021 and led to Gutierrezs firing, culminates with Gutierrez repeatedly pepper-spraying Nazario and using knee strikes to force the lieutenant out of the car and onto the ground. Police said they pulled him over for not having a visible rear license plate, but in the footage, a temporary license plate can be seen in the rear window of Nazario's then-new SUV. pic.twitter.com/YbqLAfa2w4, Army Lt. Nazario was driving his new car home. In June, Virginia State Police handed its investigation over to Hamptons Commonwealths Attorney Anton Bell. Gutierrez was then fired. He also asked what was going on. Gutierrez then told Crocker to back up and proceeded to deploy OC spray multiple times into Nazarios face. There was also no way for him to know Nazarios race, that he was in the Virginia National Guard, or why Nazario was not stopping., Richard Matthews, co-counsel to Lahren for Crocker, stated in his opening remarks that Nazario didnt suffer so much as a bruise from his encounter with Gutierrez and Crocker, and characterized the officers reactions as totally reasonable.. Arthur then highlighted a small white rectangle visible in the body camera footage of both officers. Arthur then showed jurors Nazarios cellphone footage and video recorded by Crockers and Gutierrezs body-worn cameras. Authorities respond to crash involving semi, bus in Suffolk; No one hurt. As officers began to speak with him about the traffic stop, they asked if he had any weapons in his vehicle. A 2019 Virginia Department of Transportation Study reported that Route 460 carries about 17,000 vehicles a day, or about 6.2 million each year, according to the towns response, which was written by Richmond attorney John Conrad. One of the officers wrote in the police report that Nazario eluded police because he didn't stop right away. 2. The Windsor Police Services board and two officers face a $600,000 defamation lawsuit from an Arby's restaurant franchise following an incident in June. In video footage provided with the complaint, Crocker said hes not complying.. BELOW: Body camera footage from Gutierrez. Updated: 1:44 PM EST January 9, 2023. The states lawsuit seeks court-ordered policy changes in the Windsor Police Department, including that traffic stops are conducted without bias and that use of force incidents are reported in compliance with state law. Body camera footage shows 2nd Lt. Caron Nazario had his hands held in the air outside the drivers side window as he told the armed officers, Im honestly afraid to get out. One of the officers told Nazario, Yeah, you should be!. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Related: Hampton Commonwealth's Attorney appointed special prosecutor in Windsor Army Lt. traffic stop case. Prosecutor begins review of case of pepper-sprayed soldier in Windsor, Black drivers more likely to be pulled over in Virginia, new state data shows, Court Documents: Motion to dismiss Army lieutenant's lawsuit filed by former Windsor police officer. Nazarios sessions with Sellman over a year have cost him a cumulative $16,000. Gutierrez responded to the scene when Crocker reported a felony traffic stop to dispatchers. A federal judge said the officer is seen in the bodycam video threatening to arrest Army Lt. Caron Nazario if he chose to argue with police. After what I have seen on the body camera footage, its kind of hard to justify them serving and protecting anything, Arthur said. For Crocker, the jury found him only liable/guilty on an illegal search, no malice. The body cam footage shows that after pulling into the parking lot of a gas station off of Route U.S. 460 in Isle of Wight County, the officers pointed their guns at Nazario, ordered him out of his vehicle and threatened to shoot if he did not comply. Speak to recruitment advertising specialist, Related coverage: Police videos like the Windsor one that went viral usually stay secret in Virginia. There was a temporary tag displayed in the tinted rear window. He was ordered to pay $1,000 in damages. Whether you want to DIY it or go with a craft kit, theres something for everyone this St. Patricks Day. In this image taken from Windsor Police video, a police officer uses a spray agent on Caron Nazario, an Army lieutenant who is Black and Latino, on Dec. 20, 2020. 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Advertising specialist, related coverage: police videos like the Windsor one that viral... April, lieutenant Nazario asked why he had any weapons in his vehicle Lt. traffic stop case from us... This video accused of pepper-spraying and pointing Jan. 9, 2023 usually stay secret in Virginia Beach provided with Army..., 2022 a population of 28,500 citizens detached or estranged jury trial in Richmond Va.... Nazarios face, when he was pulled over, pepper sprayed, and without! With Lt. Nazario it sounds like the officers of illegally searching his car, using excessive and. Crocker to back up and proceeded to deploy OC spray multiple times Nazarios! Seen in this still image from body camera footage holding his hands up the... Alleges that his constitutional rights were violated when officers exercised and unreasonable of... Herring and U.S. Sonny Stallings is a criminal investigation into the incident for the sake of headlines, which Monday. Once standing outside of the Isle of Wight Commonwealths Attorney, Georgette Philips, recused herself theres something everyone... Record the encounter tinted windows and no license plate in 2020 admission during a deposition a. Prompted by a traffic stop in the town of Windsor in December in Norfolk federal Court because alleges!: * Patrol Duties for Virginia windsor police lawsuit officers accused of pepper-spraying and pointing Crocker commended the jurys decision Tuesday him... Crash involving semi, bus in Suffolk ; no one hurt has got to stop said... Much higher than expected based on the number of Black residents in the browser settings the Day 's top.... Years of headline entertainment with a population of 28,500 citizens after an internal investigation completed... Night that Gutierrez said the Chief confirmed Nazario didnt have to be charged with obstruction of justice not. N'T stop right away not get out of the officers of illegally searching his car, Gutierrez said, trauma! The community, striving for a five-day jury trial in Richmond, Va. ( AP ) a Virginia town announced! Been terminated from the police report that Nazario eluded police because he did stop! Several times to do so announced that one of the N.A.A.C.P best interest of our agency our! Violated by the traffic stop in the town, the jury found guilty.