Florida Officer Allegedly Mistook Handgun For Stun Gun Before Shooting Man, Paralyzing Him

An officer with the Hollywood Police Department in Florida allegedly mistook his handgun for his stun gun before shooting at a man, paralyzing him from the waist down, the authorities said in a statement.

The statement came Tuesday after civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump filed a lawsuit against the department, urging them to release the surveillance footage of the victim, 42-year-old Michael Ortiz, being shot at on July 3, 2021, ABC News reported.

Ortiz appeared in a press conference in his wheelchair with Crump by his side to announce the lawsuit, NBC 6 reported.

"We want complete transparency. We think the best avenue to do go down where only the family gets to see it, we all get to see it," Crump said during the press conference, according to the outlet. "You want to know, how are they using this power? Are they following policies and procedures or are they flagrantly disregarding the rights of citizens?" he added.

The police said Ortiz had dialed 911, stating he had taken drugs and was having chest pains. Paramedics, who responded to the scene, reportedly found a naked and agitated Ortiz emerging from a sixth-floor apartment, and threatening to jump from a balcony.

The police officers were sent to assist the Hollywood Fire Rescue after Ortiz refused to open his door, and made suicidal statements, ABC reported, citing the police statement. One officer allegedly used a taser on him and restrained him. However, Ortiz kept resisting, eventually prompting another cop to discharge his firearm, following which a bullet struck the 42-year-old in the back.

However, Crump shared a different version in the lawsuit, stating Ortiz had called the cops to report his dog missing. He had just taken a shower, and was in a towel when the deputies arrived. Crump said the video footage taken from a nearby apartment building will substantiate his claims.

The unidentified officer was put on desk duty, and the matter was being investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

"We empathize with Mr. Ortiz and his family and know they have many questions about that evening," the police said in the statement. "Our hope is that once the investigation is complete, we will be able to meet with them and provide any additional information they are seeking."