Read Police1 columnist Duane Wolfe’s take on this incident here.
By Cristóbal Reyes
Orlando Sentinel
ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orlando police officer is facing charges after fleeing a traffic stop near Oviedo while driving in his agency-issued cruiser, according to the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.
Officer Alexander Shaouni was stopped by a Seminole County deputy sheriff June 6 for driving about 80 mph in a 45 mph zone while driving east on Florida Avenue without his siren or emergency lights on. The deputy sped to catch up with Shaouni, pulling him over on De Leon Street and angling in front of the police cruiser to make the stop.
Body camera video, which blurs Shaouni’s face, shows the officer was upset that he was pulled over, telling the deputy he was driving into work.
“What does it look like I am dressed for?” Shaouni said. The deputy replied, “Let me see your driver’s license.”
“No,” Shaouni said, before getting back into his cruiser and driving off with his lights flashing.
Court records show he was charged with fleeing a law enforcement officer, reckless driving, speeding and resisting arrest.
An unsigned Orlando Police Department statement said they were notified Friday of the incident involving Shaouni. He has since been “relieved of duty” ahead of the ongoing criminal case against him as well as an internal investigation.
No other comments were offered.
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