ORLANDO, Fla. – Opening statements began Monday in Orange County for a deputy accused of using a Taser at a gas station and setting a man ablaze.
Osceola County sheriff’s deputy David Crawford was charged with culpable negligence in the incident, which occurred in 2022 at a Wawa on Central Florida Parkway.
Crawford and other deputies followed Jean Baretto-Baerga through Osceola County to the Wawa because Baretto-Baerga was allegedly driving his motorcycle recklessly.
Crawford used his Taser on Baretto-Baerga, sparking a large fire and leaving Baretto-Baerga with burns over much of his body, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
Three deputies were also injured in the incident, authorities said.
Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez recommended charges for Crawford, saying he should have known about the dangers of using a Taser because gas had spilled nearby.
“Deputy Crawford was aware there was gas in the direct and immediate area,” Lopez said in 2022. “We know this because he says on body cam, ‘Kill the pump, kill the pump! Gas!’ After that statement, he picked up the discarded Taser that was located in gas. He (Crawford) says, ‘You’re about to get tased, dude.’ Immediately after that statement with the Taser in his hand, the fire ignites.”
If convicted, Crawford could face a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Officials said the trial could last up to a week.
[WATCH: Crawford’s body camera in media player below. WARNING: Video is extremely graphic.]