ACLU tells Venice Police to investigate man's arrest for excessive force

555 The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida is demanding action and documents related to the arrest of an Englewood man, who was shoved against a wall and slammed to the ground by Venice Police officers who were investigating a burglary at a motel. Ethan Waters, 19, was cut over the eye after officers incorrectly identified him as a burglary suspect. He was later charged with resisting arrest without violence. A maid had seen Waters entering a room through a window. She was not aware he and his roommate had told motel management of the practice in lieu of an extra key. No evidence was found to charge him with burglary. Dashcam footage of the arrest sparked criticism from local defense attorneys and ACLU of Florida president Michael Barfield, who said the arrest constitutes excessive force and possible criminal charges. "After watching the dash cam video of the arrest of Ethan Waters, I write to express grave concerns about the actions of the officers involved in his arrest." Barfield wrote in the email sent Tuesday morning to Venice Police Chief Tom Mattmuller. He urged the chief to place the officers on paid leave while they're investigated for "1) filing a false police report; 2) battery; 3) excessive force; and 4) false imprisonment."

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