A jury Wednesday found a Miami Beach Police officer guilty of beating a tourist back in the summer of 2021, an incident that was caught on video.
Kevin Perez, 34, was found guilty of battery after two hours of deliberations. His charge had been downgraded from a felony to a misdemeanor. At one point, the jury asked to see more videos of the night of the beating.
“Today’s jury verdict finding officer Kevin Perez guilty of battery is a clear statement against the use of excessive force in making an arrest," Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said in a statement. "The jurors clearly weighed all the evidence, including the hotel video, before concluding that Perez’ actions were a violation of Florida law.”
The big question was whether Perez committed a crime or was just doing his job as an officer.
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The state started out Wednesday by reminding the jury that the victim, 26-year-old Dalonta Crudup, rented a scooter while on vacation on July 26, 2021, and parked it while hanging out with friends.
Police said Crudup was parked illegally and they were in the middle of giving him a ticket. At that moment, the victim supposedly ignored police and left that scene. Crudup said. police never told him to stay.
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When Crudup got to the Royal Palm Hotel, police caught up and video showed them punching and kicking him. One of those officers was Perez.
After the verdict was read, Perez was seen shaking his head. His family was in the back of the courtroom and they also looked surprised.
The Miami Beach Police Department said Perez has been suspended and will go through its disciplinary process.
Perez's attorney said he will be appealing the decision.
A sentencing date was placed for April 21.
