LONGWOOD, Fla. – Body-camera footage and reports indicate that a Longwood police officer, who stepped down earlier this month, was under investigation for breaching the department’s use-of-force guidelines.
Longwood police say the investigation into Officer Virgel Quintal found 10 policy violations related to use-of-force and conduct.
We want to warn you — some viewers may find the video disturbing.
[WATCH: Bodycam video shows former Longwood police officer confront teen]
The bodycam footage shows exactly what happened when Quintal confronted a 17-year-old during a family dispute in May.
Officer Quintal: What are you gonna do, John? What are you gonna do?
Teen: If I didn’t have these handcuffs on, I promise you.
Officer Quintal: Take them off. Take them off. Are you gonna fight me, John?”…“I’m tired of coming up here for your [expletive]. If I have to come out here again, you’ll be going to jail.”
On May 27, around 9 p.m., Longwood police were dispatched to a domestic disturbance on West Palmetto Drive involving a 17-year-old who was reportedly in conflict with his father over cell phone limitations.
[WATCH: Longwood officer resigns as investigators look into incident with teen]
Two officers separated the son in the garage and de-escalated the situation. Officers concluded that the teen “met criteria for involuntary examination” under the Baker Act, according to the release. The teen had said he wanted to self-harm and asked to be taken in.
Officer Quintal: Don’t eyeball me, boy. Don’t eyeball me.
Afterward, Quintal confronted the teen.
The release states: “Initially, it seemed to be an attempt to set boundaries in support of John’s parents, but quickly became unprofessional and agitated the situation.”
Memos from Longwood police show two officers who responded that day reported Quintal “acted unreasonably, used excessive force, and escalated the situation, which was already under control.”
The investigation is now complete.
The police report states Quintal had responded to the same address several times before for similar incidents.
Copyright 2025 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.
