A Florida police chief on Thursday said the officer who shot a protester in the face with a rubber bullet during prolonged demonstrations in late May will not face charges or be punished for his actions.
Interim Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Patrick Lynn said the decision was based on a monthslong, 600-hour investigation that involved over two dozen sworn statements, body camera reviews, and the hiring of an “independent use of force expert.” The inquiry stemmed from a May 31, 2020, incident in which detective Eliezer Ramos allegedly shot LaToya Ratlieff during a violent demonstration that followed the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes days prior.
“The internal affairs investigations has determined that it was not detective Ramos’ intent to strike Ms. Ratcliff,” Lynn said. “Detective Ramos’ actions warranted an internal review, based on that and the external experts’ review of the incident, Detective Ramos is exonerated.”
“Although no violations of departmental policies were determined to have occurred, the department has made every effort to learn from this incident,” he continued.
Ratlieff had an eye injury, in addition to receiving 20 stitches. Lynn said the protests began peacefully in the afternoon but devolved into violence after demonstrators hurled objects at officers in riot gear.
“We clearly understand this incident has deeply affected Ms. Ratcliff, our community and our very own police department,” the chief said. “It has called some to question the relationship between the Fort Lauderdale Police Department and the community that we so deeply care to protect. To our community, your expectations of us should be high.”
Ratlieff’s lawyer, Michael Davis, said the results of the investigation were suspect.
“This investigation has never been about finding out what actually happened,” he said. “This investigation has always been about trying to justify what happened.”
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Two other officers were suspended for 24 hours after the late May protest for using explicit language. They also reportedly fired rubber bullets in an attempt to quell the unruly demonstration.
