St. Lucie County deputy arrested on multiple charges

A deputy sheriff was arrested after an internal review allegedly found excessive force was used during an arrest in April, according to a statement from the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office.

Eight-year deputy Randy Walker turned himself in to the Martin County Jail on Saturday after prosecutors issued two arrest warrants.

The charges include one count of making a false statement and one count of simple assault.

An internal investigation has been launched into the use of violence during an arrest on April 2.

The sheriff’s office said there had never been a complaint of excessive use of force.

According to the police report, Walker was on his way to Deerpark Avenue and Wintergarden Parkway to assist highway patrol units in arresting a suspect who had a felony warrant out for his arrest and who had fled on foot into a wooded area.

Dog teams were dispatched and found the suspect lying under thick bushes.

Walker stated in his case report that he delivered knee and elbow strikes while the suspect was “actively resisting” until he gave in. Walker also stated in his case report that he struck the suspect again after the suspect attempted to place his hands under his stomach so officers could not reach his hands.

Discrepancies were found between Walker’s account and the body-worn camera footage at the scene.

The police report states that the suspect’s hands were clearly visible to police and that he “did not brandish a weapon or appear to endanger police in any way.”

The officer also failed to report that he struck the suspect at least three times in the head/neck area.

Sheriff Keith Pearson released a statement on social media about the arrest.

“As all cases of use of force are reviewed internally in accordance with our policy, the supervisors and colleagues present concluded that his conduct that day was disproportionate and did not conform to the conduct we expect from our deputies.”

Walker is free on bail and is currently on unpaid administrative leave pending his termination.

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