In a remarkable turn of events, a man who faced serious charges due to a police report was exonerated by the very surveillance footage that documented his encounter with law enforcement.
The incident has sparked renewed conversations about policing practices in the small town of Lake Wales, where residents are voicing concerns over heavy-handed tactics employed by some officers.
Chris Cordero found himself in a precarious situation on February 8th while driving to a local store to pick up medication for his son.
As he approached a stop sign on 3rd Street, he noticed a police vehicle closely tailing him.
When Officer Colt Black pulled him over, Cordero had no idea that a camera across the street was recording the entire interaction.
After stopping, Cordero exited his vehicle to inquire about the reason for the stop.
He stood next to his car for over twenty seconds, a stark contrast to Officer Black’s claim in his report that Cordero charged at him with clenched fists.
“That’s absolutely not true,” Cordero asserted, highlighting the discrepancies between the officer’s account and the video evidence.
The situation escalated quickly.
Officer Black approached Cordero approximately thirty seconds later and allegedly assaulted him, claiming he was hit from behind, which resulted in a chipped tooth.
The footage shows a struggle ensued, with Officer Travis Worley arriving shortly thereafter.
Cordero described the incident as a severe beating, raising questions about the use of force by the officers involved.
According to Officer Black’s report, he struck Cordero with an elbow because he believed the man was reaching for a weapon.
Cordero, however, filed a complaint stating that Worley used a racial slur during the altercation.
This allegation adds another layer to the troubling narrative surrounding the conduct of these officers.
Initially, Cordero was charged with resisting arrest, assaulting an officer, and making threats against law enforcement.
However, after securing his release from jail the following day, he diligently sought out the surveillance footage that ultimately vindicated him.
Upon reviewing the video, Officer Black later admitted that his perception may have been clouded by the stress of the encounter.
Attorney Sarah Jones, who represented Cordero, presented the video to the state attorney’s office, leading to an immediate dismissal of all charges.
She voiced her concern over the pattern of complaints she has received regarding the Lake Wales police force, suggesting that certain officers may abuse their power, targeting individuals they believe won’t be taken seriously.
When asked about the situation, local leaders expressed their awareness of potential issues within the police department.
City Commissioner Terri Howell remarked that while not all officers engage in intimidation, the presence of a few problematic individuals can create a toxic environment that affects the entire department.
Despite requests for an interview, the police chief declined to comment, citing an ongoing internal investigation.
However, the department did confirm that Officer Colt Black resigned shortly after the incident, while Officer Worley was placed on administrative duty.
Both officers have faced scrutiny in the past, with Black having two previous complaints investigated without action taken against him.
Worley, once celebrated as Officer of the Year, has also been the subject of multiple complaints, including allegations of using racial slurs.
Although he has defended his actions, the patterns emerging from these incidents raise significant concerns about accountability within the force.
In light of Cordero’s experience, Howell proposed the implementation of body cameras for officers over a year ago, a measure that failed to gain traction at the time.
However, following the recent events, the proposal was revisited and unanimously approved, making Lake Wales the first city in Polk County to adopt such a program.
Cordero reflected on the importance of this technology, questioning how many innocent individuals might still be languishing in jail without evidence to support their claims.
His experience has ignited a broader conversation about community safety and police accountability, underscoring the need for transparency in law enforcement practices.
As the dust settles on this troubling incident, the hope is that the introduction of body cameras will help protect both citizens and officers, fostering a culture of trust and accountability in Lake Wales.
