Sunrise police Sgt. Christopher Pullease (WSVN).
A Florida police officer captured on video briefly grabbing a fellow female officer by the throat during an arrest will have his charges dismissed, provided he successfully completes a pretrial diversion program.
Former Sunrise Police Sergeant Christopher Pullease faced several charges, including battery against a law enforcement officer, tampering with evidence, assault on both a law enforcement officer and a civilian male, according to official reports.
However, Pullease’s legal team successfully petitioned to have his case moved to Veterans Court, which functions similarly to mental health or drug courts.
Prosecutors stated, “Florida law requires that a defendant have a military service-related mental health condition, traumatic brain injury, substance use disorder, or psychological problem, or have experienced military sexual trauma.” They added that participation in the veterans treatment program should serve the interests of justice and benefit both the defendant and the community.
Recently, Florida lawmakers broadened access to this program, permitting defendants to enroll if victims do not oppose the move. Failure to complete the program, which can last 18 months or more, could see Pullease return to criminal court.
As Law&Crime previously reported, the Sunrise Police chief at the time said the sergeant stepped way over the line.
“I find this behavior to be disgusting,” Sunrise Police Chief Anthony Rosa told WSVN. “I think the video speaks for itself.”
A Sunrise Police sgt is on desk duty during an IA. Body cam vid shows him grabbing the throat of a young officer after she pulled him back from a cuffed arrestee.
“I find this behavior to be disgusting.”- Chief Rosa
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This all started after a man allegedly hit people outside a Shop & Save convenience store on Nov. 19, 2021, officers said in the report. Police arrested the suspect for aggravated battery, handcuffing him behind his back, but based on the officers’ body camera footage, they seemed to be having trouble getting him into the cruiser. Pullease arrived and walked up to the scene. He pulled out pepper spray and aimed it at the man, who retreated further into the backseat.
That’s when the junior officer grabbed Pullease by the belt buckle and pulled him away from the cruiser. This apparently incensed Pullease, who turned around and went for the officer’s throat, per the video.
“Don’t ever f—ing touch me again,” Pullease said, WTVJ reported.
Rosa previously said Pullease escalated the situation when he arrived at the scene.
“I find it to be inappropriate and unprofessional,” the chief said.
The chief said he was proud of the younger officer for intervening. He highlighted the massive difference in their time on the job. Pullease was reportedly a 21-year veteran of the department, while the other officer had been there for two years.
Pullease retired from the department in 2022.