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Deputy resigns amid accusations of suspect abuse

Posted at 1:07 PM, Feb 20, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-21 16:46:39-05

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- A Lee County Sheriff's Office deputy has resigned after a video surfaced last week that appears to show him using unnecessary force on a handcuffed suspect.

The Sheriff's Office confirmed Wednesday that Deputy Blake Grossi has resigned and is no longer the subject of an internal investigation. However, the case has been referred to the State Attorney's Office for further review.

Last week, an amateur video began circulating on Twitter, showing Deputy Grossi's involvement in the incident. It shows a young man in handcuffs, just outside a patrol car. You can see one deputy helping him to drink from a hose. A second deputy is holding his arm to secure him. Then, a third deputy, later identified as Grossi, walks into frame and appears to elbow the suspect in the head.

Sheriff Carmine Marceno issued a statement Wednesday: “On Thursday, February 14, 2019, I learned of an incident where a suspect in our custody was mistreated. Regardless of what occurred prior to this incident, our deputies are held to the highest standards, we respect everyone’s constitutional rights, and we will not tolerate mistreatment of any suspect."