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.
