Lawyer: Florida man ‘cooked alive’ after a deputy’s Taser led to an explosion at a gas station

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida man is continuing to recover after he was “cooked alive” after a deputy’s Taser sparked an explosion at a gas station.

>> Read more trending news

WFTV says two people are being charged after a Taser that was used in an attempted arrest in February led to an explosion that burned the suspect and deputy.

WFTV says according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the deputies were trying to arrest Jean Baretto, 26, who allegedly fled after being involved in an incident with other motorcyclists driving recklessly and allegedly pointing guns at other drivers.

Baretto and Deputy David Crawford were both injured as a result of the explosion. Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez in a press conference said Crawford sustained minor injuries and other deputies were also injured.

“He [Deputy Crawford] was aware there was gas in the immediate area. ‘He says ‘kill the pump, there’s gas,’ he then grabbed a discarded Taser and told the suspect, ‘You’re about to get tased again dude.’ " Lopez said. “His actions were reckless and the disregard for life rises to the level of culpable negligence.”

Baretto has remained in the hospital, according to WFLA, making it ten weeks since the gas station explosion.

“While being cooked alive, Mr. Barreto sustained third-degree burns on approximately 75% of his body, front and back from his feet to the bottom of his neck,” Barreto’s attorney Mark NeJame said in a statement posted on Facebook.

Baretto is facing a reckless driving charge and resisting arrest without violence and fleeing. WFLA says Crawford has been charged with misdemeanor culpable negligence.



On AirK92.3 - Orlando's #1 for New Country Logo

mobile apps

Everything you love about k923orlando.com and more! Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app.

amazon alexa

Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices!