Sunrise police Sgt. Christopher Pullease (WSVN).
Prosecutors in Florida plan to dismiss charges against a Sunrise police officer who was seen on video briefly grabbing a female officer by the throat during an arrest, provided he successfully completes a pretrial diversion program.
Former Sunrise Police Sgt. Christopher Pullease had been charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, tampering with evidence, assault on a law enforcement officer, and assault on a civilian man.
Pullease’s attorneys later asked the court to move his case into Veterans Court, a specialty program that operates in a similar way to mental health or drug court.
In a statement, prosecutors said Florida law requires a defendant to have a military service-related mental health condition, traumatic brain injury, substance use disorder, psychological issue, or a history of military sexual trauma. They added that the law also requires participation in veterans treatment court to be considered in the interest of justice and beneficial to both the defendant and the community.
State lawmakers in Florida recently broadened eligibility for the program, making it possible for defendants to enter if victims do not object. If Pullease fails to complete the program, which can last 18 months or more, he could be returned to traditional criminal court.
As previously reported by Law&Crime, the Sunrise police chief at the time said the sergeant’s actions went far beyond acceptable conduct.
“I find this behavior to be disgusting,” Sunrise Police Chief Anthony Rosa told WSVN. “I think the video speaks for itself.”
A Sunrise Police sgt is on desk duty during an IA. Body cam vid shows him grabbing the throat of a young officer after she pulled him back from a cuffed arrestee.
“I find this behavior to be disgusting.”- Chief Rosa
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— Daniel Cohen (@DCohenNEWS) January 14, 2022
This all started after a man allegedly hit people outside a Shop & Save convenience store on Nov. 19, 2021, officers said in the report. Police arrested the suspect for aggravated battery, handcuffing him behind his back, but based on the officers’ body camera footage, they seemed to be having trouble getting him into the cruiser. Pullease arrived and walked up to the scene. He pulled out pepper spray and aimed it at the man, who retreated further into the backseat.
That’s when the junior officer grabbed Pullease by the belt buckle and pulled him away from the cruiser. This apparently incensed Pullease, who turned around and went for the officer’s throat, per the video.
“Don’t ever f—ing touch me again,” Pullease said, WTVJ reported.
Rosa previously said Pullease escalated the situation when he arrived at the scene.
“I find it to be inappropriate and unprofessional,” the chief said.
The chief said he was proud of the younger officer for intervening. He highlighted the massive difference in their time on the job. Pullease was reportedly a 21-year veteran of the department, while the other officer had been there for two years.
Pullease retired from the department in 2022.
