KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Officials say a Florida deputy who accidentally set a gasoline-covered motorcycle rider on fire with a stun gun is facing a misdemeanor charge.
Osceola County Sheriff Marcos López said during a news conference Thursday that the deputy is being charged with culpable negligence, and the burned biker faces charges of reckless driving, fleeing law enforcement and resisting arrest.
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Officials say helicopter video shows the biker weaving through traffic on Feb. 27 before stopping at a Wawa gas station in neighboring Orange County.
The sheriff says Osceola deputies followed the biker, identified as 26-year-old Jean Barretto, out of their jurisdiction because they believed he had been part of a group of bikers brandishing guns at people.
According to news outlet WKMG, Barretto remains hospitalized with extensive burns.
***WARNING: Press conference includes graphic footage. Viewer discretion is advised.