EXCLUSIVE

Parkland Shooting Parents Sue 'Coward' Deputy

The Broward County Sheriff's Deputy who bolted from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School as a gunman sprayed the building with bullets has just been sued by a group of parents and students ... claiming the deputy's inaction caused the carnage.

The parents and students claim Scot Peterson -- a 33-year veteran tasked to guard the school -- ran from danger as Nikolas Cruz killed 17 people. As you know, Peterson came under intense scrutiny when video surfaced showing him taking cover outside. The Sheriff's Office acknowledged as much.

BROWARD COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

The suit claims Scot was incompetent in providing security. They say Scot was known in certain law enforcement circles as "ROD" or "Retired on Duty" ... a slur for a lazy cop.

The parents and students also claim the Broward County Sheriff's Office received dozens of calls warning them about Cruz from 2008 to 2017, but did nothing. A Broward Co. Sheriff's captain, who allegedly refused to allow emergency personnel in the school was also named as a defendant. The suit also names Broward County as a defendant.

The plaintiffs are parents of students who survived the shooting. 2 students are also suing. Scot's already been sued by another parent, Andrew Pollack, who made similar claims. His daughter died in the shooting.

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