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Five Miami Beach police officers are facing battery charges in connection with the rough arrests of two men last week, Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle announced Monday.
The state attorney said the charges are first-degree misdemeanors and additional charges may be filed as the investigation remains ongoing.
Those facing charges are Sgt. Jose Perez, Officer Kevin Perez (no relation to Jose Perez), Officer Robert Sabater, Officer David Rivas and Officer Steven Serrano.
They all surrendered at Miami Beach Police headquarters Monday morning, Fernandez Rundle said.
Surveillance video released Monday by the State Attorney’s Office from the Royal Palm Hotel shows Sgt. Jose Perez kicking Dalonta Crudup three times before slamming his head into the ground, although Crudup was already in handcuffs. Fernandez Rundle also showed bodyworn camera footage that she said helped show the July 26 incident.
Perez was just promoted to sergeant earlier this year.