8:15 AM PT -- The Osceola County Sheriff's Office says their deputy who body slammed the female high school student is now on administrative paid leave pending an investigation, which is being headed up by a separate law enforcement agency.
The Sheriff, Marcos Lopez, says he turned the case over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement ... whom he says are going to get to the bottom of whether the officer did anything wrong here, or if he broke protocol/the law in restraining the teen.
Speaking of her, Lopez said the girl -- whose name or age he didn't mention -- was treated at the scene and later released, going on to say she was "fine."
On the other hand, the officer's name was dropped in the presser ... Ethan Fournier, who's been on the force for 10 years. Lopez didn't reveal his hand on any opinions, but he did say one interesting thing -- condemning death threats he claims have been hurled at Fournier to the utmost degree.
He said while he doesn't condone rogue officers who engage in violent behavior, he equally disavows anyone calling for Fournier's life. Lopez said he's innocent until proven guilty.
Florida cops are feeling the heat over that video of a deputy's assault on a female high school student ... so much so, they're addressing the case in a news conference.
The Osceola County Sheriff's Office will discuss the case Wednesday morning after the horrific incident at Liberty High School Tuesday afternoon. Video showed a resource officer violently restraining a female student, and throwing her onto the ground ... head first.
This is liberty high school in Osceola county and I’ve seen my share of body slams from that school not only by officers but from Deans as well. I’ve seen grown ass man hop on top of girls to hold them down while they are clearly in distress. pic.twitter.com/wyePuKVqqZ
— LouluNev (@LouluNevy) January 26, 2021
In the video, you see the teenager hit the concrete hard, and her body goes limp. The officer proceeds to place handcuffs on her as the crowd around screams. Multiple people appeared to be recording, and caught the action from different angles. It looked like the student lost consciousness.
The only thing we've heard from OCSO thus far is that the officer was breaking up a fight, and that an investigation is underway.
Bro this cop at my little brothers high school, slammed & KNOCKED out this little girl, wtf is wrong with these pigs! pic.twitter.com/bfEZkuXkXO
— LeaveIt2TheStreets IG (@rofflekris) January 26, 2021
Presumably, Sheriff Marcos Lopez -- who'll be at the podium shortly -- will have some sort of update on what they've learned at this point, and whether the officer will face any repercussions. It'll be interesting to hear if he denounces the act, or tries to justify it.
Several people have accused the officer of excessive force, with some supposed eyewitnesses claiming the girl was already under control and separated when the cop did what he did. Unclear how the student is doing, or what her condition is.
Originally Published -- 7:57 AM PT