Orlando police officer charged with battery fired


By John W. Davis, Reporter

An Orlando police officer charged with battery and perjury has now been fired from the department.
Officer William Escobar was charged with battery and perjury stemming from an incident that happened last March. He's accused of kicking and punching a man he was arresting and then lying about it.
Cell phone video taken by Refus Holloway's sister shows Escobar allegedly kicking and punching Holloway. Hollaway’s battery against an officer and resisting arrest charges related to this incident were eventually dropped.
Chief John Mina said Escobar violated several department policies, including excessive force and filing false reports.
"The Orlando Police Department takes all allegations of excessive force very seriously. And these matters are thoroughly investigated," Mina said. "The actions of officer Escobar that night do not reflect the overall actions performance and behavior of OPD or our committment and dedication to keeping this community safe."
Charges were announced against Escobar back in January. A trial is set for May 4.