US police officer shoots at unarmed suspect after mistaking acorn drop for gunshot

Police in Florida opened fire on a suspect handcuffed in a patrol car after mistaking the sound of a falling acorn for a gunshot.

Marquis Jackson, a 22-year-old black man, was trapped in the back seat of the vehicle and was forced to “play dead to prevent getting shot in the head”.

Officers had arrested Mr Jackson on the morning of Nov 12 on suspicion of stealing his girlfriend’s car.

Although “verbally non-co-operative”, according to a Sheriff’s Report, he did not offer any physical resistance as he was handcuffed and walked to the police car.

Bodycam footage shows one of the officers, Deputy Jesse Hernandez, standing outside his vehicle when an acorn strikes the roof of his vehicle.

Apparently believing Mr Jackson had started shooting at him, he threw himself to the ground, shouting “shots fired” and “I’m hit” as he emptied his semi-automatic pistol into the car.

He then crawled into cover behind a different vehicle, telling his colleague that he was unharmed but may have been struck in his protective vest.

#police #crime #usa

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[atomic]

For those wondering whether the cop had PTSD, he indeed did fight in the great squirrel war of 2003.

[maldrix]

The fact he did like 3 combat rolls, got up, shot several times, THEN fell over in agony from being shot is CRAZY

[Andysaid]

Falling to ground, screaming hes hit, crawling away, shooting at an innocent man who is handcuffed in his car all because an acorn hit his car... id sue them for millions

[tregomukawa]

this whole situation is honestly nuts!

[randykeaton]

Why did the officer act like he was a civilian in grand theft auto vice city?

3 random rolls, screaming while there’s zero threat, mission failed bro

[stonehalo]

This is the most severe allergic reaction to tree nuts I've ever seen.

[learnallican]

Did they take the acorn in for questioning?

[raoulduke]

Imagine seeing him rolling 3 times and opening fire on a car because an oak tree decided to oak-tree.

[vasiliosleimonitis]

How does an acorn sound like a gunshot?

[jasonbussenschutt]

There are no words for that incompetence

[elhior]

No charges filed for firing 18 rounds at a handcuffed unarmed man and destroying his own patrol vehicle that is public property. A member of the public would have multiple felonies for behavior even close to this. Police do not face any consequences for their actions. This is normal. 😔

[jazzochannel]

imagine what went on before cameras were mandatory...

[TankLife]

"Im hit!" Literally wasnt hit. The guy cant be allowed near another weapon in his entire lifetime.

[adayinforever]

*These* are the people "protecting" us? OMG. Increase the standards for law enforcement.

[Juice]

The fact that he stops and clearly and calmly says "what?" after screaming he's been

[roachdoggjr]

Imagine if cops faced the same repercussions as everyone else

[harryboi]

Why was he stumbling around on the floor like he had the air taken out of him from a gun shot?

[jimsyboy]

I bet the neighbours were like "Jesus, there's a lot of acorns dropping out there"

[SpeedCubeProRL]

Squirrel: "Imma bout to end this man's whole career"

[roboking]

My man hit 3 whole eldin ring rolls because of an acorn...