A West Palm Beach Police Department police officer was fired and arrested after being accused of kidnapping and battery while on duty, according to the West Palm Beach Police Department (WPBPD). The incident has raised questions about law enforcement accountability in Palm Beach County and nearby communities such as Fort Pierce, where recent controversies have also made headlines, including the dropping of charges against a veteran Port St. Lucie police sergeant.
West Palm Beach Police Officer Arrested for On-Duty Kidnapping and Battery
The West Palm Beach Police Department confirmed that the terminated officer, Justice Feeley-Carim, 30, was taken into custody on Saturday. He faces charges of kidnapping and battery stemming from an incident that occurred while he was on duty in March 2025.
WPBPD Chief Tony Araujo stated that all officers are expected to meet the department’s highest standards and will be held fully accountable for their actions, a sentiment echoed in other Florida law enforcement agencies following incidents such as the suspension of a Port St. Lucie police officer for on-duty gambling.
Details of the Incident on 45th Street
The alleged incident involving Justice Feeley-Carim took place on March 26, 2025, in the 4200 block of 45th Street in West Palm Beach. According to police, Feeley-Carim was performing his official duties at the time of the reported offenses.
The complaint was filed 13 days later, on April 7, prompting the department to place Feeley-Carim on paid administrative leave the same day.
Probationary Status and Employment History
Feeley-Carim had been hired by the West Palm Beach Police Department on September 24, 2024, and was still within his 12-month probationary period when the incident occurred. He was terminated from his position on April 16, following an internal investigation by the department’s Special Victims Unit (SVU).
Prior to joining WPBPD, Feeley-Carim served nearly three years with the Fort Pierce Police Department in St. Lucie County, where he received an Officer of the Month award in July 2024.
Criminal Charges and Legal Proceedings
After being terminated, Justice Feeley-Carim turned himself in to the Palm Beach County Main Detention Center. He was booked on charges of kidnapping and battery, both serious criminal offenses under Florida law.
Court records indicate that Feeley-Carim’s bond was set at $200,000. As part of his release conditions, he was required to surrender his passport.
WPBPD’s Response to Officer Misconduct
WPBPD Chief Tony Araujo emphasized the department’s commitment to accountability. “Our officers are held to the highest standards, and they will be held fully accountable, as will every member of this police department,” Araujo said in a statement. The issue of police accountability has drawn regional attention, especially after the Port St. Lucie Police Chief avoided jail time through a plea deal in Operation Martingate.
The department’s Special Victims Unit led the investigation that resulted in Feeley-Carim’s termination and subsequent arrest.
Background: Officer’s Career in West Palm Beach and Fort Pierce
Justice Feeley-Carim began his law enforcement career with the Fort Pierce Police Department, serving for nearly three years before transferring to West Palm Beach in September 2024. His recognition as Officer of the Month in Fort Pierce highlights the contrast between his earlier service and the current allegations.
The transition from Fort Pierce to West Palm Beach placed Feeley-Carim within a new department and under a probationary review period, which is standard for newly hired officers.
Timeline of Key Events
- September 24, 2024: Feeley-Carim hired by WPBPD.
- March 26, 2025: Alleged kidnapping and battery incident occurs while on duty.
- April 7, 2025: Complaint filed; Feeley-Carim placed on paid leave.
- April 16, 2025: Officer terminated following SVU investigation.
- August 30, 2025: Feeley-Carim turns himself in to Palm Beach County jail.
Community and Departmental Impact
The arrest and firing of a police officer for on-duty kidnapping and battery has significant implications for public trust in law enforcement in West Palm Beach and surrounding areas, including Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County.
WPBPD leadership has reiterated its stance on transparency and accountability, emphasizing that criminal behavior by officers will not be tolerated.
Related Law Enforcement Standards
Florida law requires all law enforcement agencies to maintain clear standards for officer conduct, especially during probationary periods. Incidents of criminal behavior by officers are subject to internal review and, when warranted, criminal prosecution.
The case involving Justice Feeley-Carim is being closely watched by both the public and other law enforcement agencies throughout the region.
Frequently Asked Questions About West Palm Beach Police Officer Arrest
What happened with the West Palm Beach police officer in 2025?
A West Palm Beach police officer named Justice Feeley-Carim was arrested and fired after being accused of kidnapping and battery while on duty in March 2025. He was booked into the Palm Beach County jail and faces criminal charges.
How much was the bond for the arrested officer?
The bond for Justice Feeley-Carim was set at $200,000 according to court records. He was also required to surrender his passport as part of his release conditions.
Are there connections between West Palm Beach and Fort Pierce police departments?
Justice Feeley-Carim previously worked for the Fort Pierce Police Department before joining the West Palm Beach Police Department. Officers sometimes transfer between agencies in different cities or counties in Florida.
Can you find out if an officer is on probation in West Palm Beach?
Police officers in West Palm Beach are usually on a probationary period during their first year of employment. Information about an officer’s status may be available through public records or official department statements.
Where are police officers held after arrest in Palm Beach County?
Arrested officers in Palm Beach County are typically booked into the Palm Beach County Main Detention Center. This facility is the primary jail for the area, including West Palm Beach.
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