ORLANDO, Fla. – The excessive force trial for a fired Orlando Police officer has been halted, after the judge told the jury there has been an new development in the case.
The trial was expected to finish witness testimony on Wednesday, before it was announced there is a new witness that needs to sit for a deposition.
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"This was completely unanticipated. It was completely unforeseeable," Judge Deb Blechman told the jury. "Something new has come up that might require some investigation and we aren't sure how much further we can get."
Attorneys for both sides talked about a new witness in the case, recalling what she saw on the night of March 15, 2014. The witness needs to be questioned by the attorneys before testifying in front of the jury.
"We are in the position where we frankly don't have a choice because of the new thing that came up," said Blechman. "I've never actually had to ask a jury to do this."
Before the announcement was made, Orlando police officer Joel Williams took the stand, testifying that he believed fired Orlando police officer William Escobar's actions were justified.
Williams was the first officer to make physical contact with Refus Holloway during the incident.
"I was afraid that he was reaching for a weapon. I drew my fire arm that's on my side right now," testified Williams.
Williams told the court he ordered Holloway to step back four times, but Holloway didn't comply. Williams said that he kicked Holloway after he continued to approach closer, reaching in his pocket.
"He grabbed my foot," said Williams.
Williams testified he sprayed Holloway with mace. After that, he said that he had Escobar intervene.
Williams told the court that he then witnessed Holloway and Escobar actively fighting each other on the ground, adding Holloway was resisting arrest and assaulting the officer.
After reviewing police body cam video, Williams said he questioned Escobar why he kicked Holloway since he was already in handcuffs. Williams told the court Escobar said Holloway was resisting.
"He gave me an answer of justification and I said, 'Absolutely, that makes perfect sense.'"
Williams also testified that Holloway was attempting to get back on his feet during the time Escobar was filmed kicking and punching him.
Escobar was fired from the Orlando Police Department because of the incident. He is facing charges for battery and perjury.
The trial is scheduled to resume Nov. 12 inside the Orange County Courthouse.