Jurors in the trial of Osceola Deputy David Crawford saw dramatic video Tuesday of the deputy holding a stun gun against a suspect who then bursts into flames, while defense attorneys tried to pin the blame on another deputy for the fire.
Crawford, 35, is charged with culpable negligence for the February 2022 fire at a Wawa gas station that nearly left then-26-year-old Jean Barreto, the subject of a deputies’ chase, with burns on three-quarters of his body. Video shows the deputy tackling Barreto and holding the Taser as gasoline pooled around them seconds before the fire started.
Deputy Joseph De Jesus, who testified during the state’s presentation on the second day of the trial in an Orlando courtroom, recalled arriving at the scene seconds before the blaze began. As he rushed to assist Crawford, he heard someone reports identified as Crawford yell “Cut off the gas.”
He then squeezed past the scuffle toward the gas pump when he heard Crawford say, “You’re gonna get Tased again, dude.” Moments later, the gasoline ignited, lighting Barreto on fire while engulfing Crawford’s legs in flames.
However, while describing Crawford’s actions, De Jesus claimed he couldn’t recognize the embattled deputy even as they sat across from each other — an admission that may aid Crawford’s defense that he was not the one who fired the Taser.
“Would you ever use a Taser on gasoline?” Chief Assistant State Attorney Ryan Williams asked. De Jesus replied, “No, because of policy.”
Crawford appeared in court Tuesday carrying crutches as his lawyer, Michael Barber, sought to pin the fire on another deputy at the scene, Christopher Koffinas, whose stun gun Det. Keila Ruiz testified was the only one that was used.
Ruiz led the criminal investigation into the fire, concluding Crawford held Koffinas’ stun gun at the time of the fire. According to a state fire marshal’s report, “you can hear the Taser device cycle” on video right before the blaze began.
When questioned by Barber, Ruiz said Crawford never removed his assigned stun gun from his holster, let alone use it. Meanwhile, Koffinas’ weapon was used twice, the first shot being deployed on Barreto’s shoulder.
Osceola County Sheriff’s Office policy prohibits the use of stun guns if a suspect “could possibly be seriously injured by secondary factors” such as flammable substances like gasoline. Koffinas was issued a 40-hour suspension following an internal investigation and is not facing criminal charges.
“Based on your investigation, you’re unable to make any determination about whether or not Deputy Crawford intentionally deployed the Taser, correct?” Barber asked. Ruiz replied, “Yes,” and further acknowledged she did not submit charges against anyone else for the incident.
It took a little more than a year before Crawford was charged despite calls from Barreto’s lawyers for a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation. Sheriff Marcos Lopez defended the chase, saying it began as a response to a group of dirt bikers allegedly threatening people with guns.
Lopez at the time showed video of a helicopter following Barreto into Orlando, at times riding into oncoming traffic. The sheriff further accused Barreto of having “tossed” a gun, which was never recovered nor did footage from the helicopter capture him getting rid of one during the chase.
“Unfortunately, things like this happen, but the deputy will pay for his mistake,” Lopez said of Crawford after the May 2023 charging decision.
Mark NeJame, who leads the firm representing Barreto, described the chase as “a grossly excessive, unwarranted and horrific abuse of police conduct and authority.” NeJame’s team also represents the family of Jayden Baez, who was killed by deputies two months after the fire that injured Barreto. Baez’s family has filed a lawsuit against the Sheriff’s Office.At the time of the fire, according to NeJame, Barreto was with a group of dirt bikers on a memorial ride in honor of a friend when deputies arrived in response to reports of someone brandishing a gun. Lopez claimed Barreto fit the description of the alleged gunman, leading to the chase.
The sheriff said his office recommended charges against Barreto for fleeing law enforcement, reckless driving and resisting arrest. Prosecutors declined to bring a case against him.
“He barely survived,” NeJame said. “His life will always be in jeopardy because of the massive amount of scar tissue and damage that happened to his body.”
If convicted, Crawford could face up to one year behind bars or a $1,000 fine. The trial continues Wednesday.
