ORLANDO, Fla. – Early Monday, a man claimed he was pepper-sprayed by an Orlando police officer while he was filming officers apprehending another individual in downtown Orlando.
James Lake shared with News 6 that around 3 a.m., he came across several officers making an arrest along Orange Avenue. He decided to record the scene with his cellphone when one officer instructed him to step back.
“He started talking about maintaining a 25-foot distance, asking us to step back a bit, so I complied by moving back, observing his orders,” Lake stated. “While I was retreating, he suddenly lifted his mace and sprayed me squarely in the face.”
Lake mentioned he was leaving a night out in downtown Orlando and heading towards his car when the incident unfolded. He experienced blurred vision and struggled to breathe due to the pepper spray.
“I’m still going through the effects right now. I can’t breathe in deep. I don’t want nobody to go through that,” he said.
Under a Florida “Halo Law” enacted in 2024, it is unlawful to film within 25 feet of police officers or first responders if instructed to move back. Non-compliance can lead to arrest and up to 60 days in jail.
[WATCH: What is the new Florida Halo law?]
News 6 emailed the Orlando Police Department seeking comment about the incident but had not received a response as of Monday afternoon.
Orlando police policy states that chemical agents “should only be used directly in scenarios where an arrest is imminent. If no arrest occurs, the watch commander should be notified promptly, and an incident report must be filed about the situation.”
Lake said he wants the department to review what happened and provide him with an explanation.
“Give me the response. Tell me what happened. Tell me why. I deserve that,” he said.
Lake also said he is exploring legal options and hopes to make a full recovery.
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