A Fort Pierce officer has been relieved of duty after punching a handcuffed suspect, according to the Fort Pierce Police Department. The incident occurred on March 26 around 2 a.m. in the 1200 block of Avenue L in Fort Pierce, Florida.

Incident Details: Fort Pierce Officer Relieved of Duty

Officers initially responded to a disturbance call, resulting in the arrest of an individual accused of violating the obstruction statute. While escorting the handcuffed suspect to a police vehicle, the suspect allegedly headbutted Officer Jean Valbrun, causing a laceration to the officer’s lip.

Following this altercation, other officers took custody of the suspect and placed him in the rear of a police vehicle. At this point, Officer Valbrun reportedly removed his body-worn camera and punched the suspect, causing a facial injury.

Immediate Action and Investigation by Fort Pierce Police

Officer Valbrun was immediately relieved of duty pending further investigation. The Fort Pierce Police Department referred the incident to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for a criminal investigation. Additionally, an internal affairs investigation was launched by the department.

Before the completion of these investigations, Officer Valbrun resigned from his position. Both investigations remain active, with authorities continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Statement from Fort Pierce Police Chief Diane Hobley-Burney

Fort Pierce Police Chief Diane Hobley-Burney emphasized the department’s commitment to maintaining high professional and ethical standards. Chief Hobley-Burney praised the officers who intervened and reported the incident, stating:

“The Fort Pierce Police Department holds its officers to the highest professional and ethical standards. I am extremely proud of the officers that intervened and reported this incident. The actions of this individual are not representative of the dedicated men and women of the Fort Pierce Police Department, who work tirelessly to serve and protect our community with integrity, professionalism, and respect for the law.”

Community Impact and Public Trust in Fort Pierce

Incidents involving police misconduct can significantly impact community trust and relations. The swift response and transparency demonstrated by the Fort Pierce Police Department reflect their dedication to accountability and maintaining public confidence.

The department has not released the identity of the suspect involved in the incident. Further details are expected as investigations progress. For more on similar cases, see our article on key facts on Fort Pierce man’s presidential threat case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Pierce Officer Relieved of Duty

What happened to the Fort Pierce officer involved?

The officer was relieved of duty after punching a suspect who was already handcuffed. He resigned before investigations concluded.

Are there criminal charges against the Fort Pierce officer?

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating possible criminal charges. No charges have been announced yet as investigations continue. This follows other incidents where guns and ammo were seized in Fort Pierce after threats.

Where did the incident involving the Fort Pierce officer occur?

The incident took place in the 1200 block of Avenue L in Fort Pierce, Florida, during a disturbance call.

Can Fort Pierce residents trust the local police department?

The Fort Pierce Police Department acted quickly and transparently, showing their commitment to accountability. The Chief emphasized that this incident does not represent the department as a whole.

What happens next in the investigation of the Fort Pierce officer?

Both the internal affairs and FDLE investigations remain active. Results will be shared publicly once completed. Related to this, two guns were seized in Fort Pierce after threats to President Trump.

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