Florida sheriff's deputy arrested after video shows him grabbing 15-year-old by neck and violently slamming her to the ground
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA: A Florida sheriff's deputy caught on camera violently slamming a student to the ground at a school for children with emotional and behavioral problems where he worked is facing jail time over the incident.
In a video captured on the grounds of the Cross Creek School in Pompano Beach on September 25, Broward County deputy Willard Miller, 38, can be seen standing and texting when the victim, a 15-year-old girl, walks up behind him and uses her left foot to push the back of his right knee, causing it to slightly buckle.
Annoyed, Miller can be seen arguing with the girl as the video continues, though there was no audio. The argument continues for around a minute as two other women in the room watch on, when suddenly, the deputy lunges towards the teen, grabs her throat, and throws her to the ground.
He then flips her over to her stomach, puts a knee to her back, and pulls her arms behind her before lifting her using her pinned arms and throwing her out of the room.
Speaking about the altercation, Sheriff Gregory Tony refused to reveal what was said during the argument between Miller and the victim, but said nothing she did or said justified the 38-year-old deputy's reaction.
"The byproduct of his actions were deplorable," he said. "They were uncalled for and they violated multiple policies just on the optics. I would hope that every cop in America would disagree with that type of response."
He said Miller's actions reflect poorly not just on his deputies, but also law enforcement nationwide. "I am tired of it," he said. "I'm going to fix it. I am going to hold people accountable. If I have to do this 15 more times, I am going to do it 15 more times."
Miller was charged with felony child abuse without great bodily harm in connection to the incident, and released from custody after posting a $5,000 bond. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison.
He has been suspended without pay until the Broward Sheriff's Office completes its internal disciplinary procedure.