The Incident: What Happened
It started like any ordinary evening in Edgewater. A CVS employee finished their shift and stepped outside to wait for a Lyft ride home. Instead of a quiet ride, the worker was confronted by a police officer who questioned them, escalated the situation, and ultimately made an arrest — despite the fact that no crime had been committed.
The employee wasn’t trespassing. They weren’t causing a disturbance. They were simply waiting.
The arrest sparked outrage, and for good reason. It raised immediate concerns about abuse of power, lack of probable cause, and the risk that everyday Floridians could face the same fate.
Watch the Bodycam Footage
Click below to see the full body-camera video of the encounter:
▶ Watch Bodycam: Edgewater CVS Arrest
Was the Officer Fired or Did He Resign?
Early reports suggested the officer had been fired. However, city officials later clarified that he resigned following the investigation into his conduct.
The difference matters. Being fired is an act of discipline by the department. Resigning shifts some control back to the officer, but the end result is the same: the individual is no longer serving in law enforcement.
For residents, the key takeaway is this: when officers misuse their authority, accountability must follow — whether it comes through firing, forced resignation, or other consequences.
Why This Case Matters
For the CVS employee, the incident was humiliating and frightening. But for the community, it was a wake-up call.
Wrongful arrests don’t just affect individuals. They undermine public trust in the very institutions designed to protect us. They leave scars — not only in police-community relationships, but in the personal lives of the people caught in the middle.
Imagine being handcuffed and booked when you did nothing wrong:
- Your neighbors might hear about it.
- Your employer may question you.
- A simple background check could show the arrest, even if charges are dropped.
This isn’t just paperwork. It’s people’s lives.
Wrongful Arrests in Florida: Know Your Rights
Florida law recognizes that wrongful arrests can cause lasting harm. Residents have protections under state and federal law, including the ability to file claims for:
- False arrest – being arrested without probable cause.
- False imprisonment – being detained unlawfully, even outside a formal arrest.
- Civil rights violations – when misconduct crosses constitutional lines.
Through these claims, victims may seek compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, reputational harm, and other damages.
How to Protect Yourself If You’re Wrongfully Arrested
No one expects it to happen. But if it does, knowing how to respond matters:
- Stay calm and comply safely. Arguing or resisting can escalate the situation.
- Ask for a lawyer immediately. You don’t have to explain yourself. Requesting an attorney is your right.
- Document everything. Names, badge numbers, witness contacts, and what was said — all of it may help your case later.
- Call a wrongful arrest lawyer. The sooner you get help, the better your chances of clearing your record and holding authorities accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I sue for wrongful arrest in Florida?
Yes. If you were arrested without probable cause, you may be entitled to compensation. An attorney can help you evaluate your case.
❓ Does an officer’s resignation affect my case?
No. Whether the officer was fired or resigned, your rights remain the same. Your focus should be on the harm you suffered and how the law can make it right.
❓ What’s the difference between wrongful arrest and false imprisonment?
A wrongful arrest refers specifically to an officer detaining you without legal grounds. False imprisonment can occur in a wider range of situations — including being unlawfully held by private citizens or companies.
Related Resources
- Tauber’s Triumph Over Warrantless Search – How a Florida case reshaped privacy rights and police surveillance.
- Florida’s DOAH Arbitration Disaster: How Citizens Is Stripping Policyholders of Their Rights – Why arbitration clauses can strip away your rights.
- The 3 D’s of Insurance Woes: Delay, Deny, Defend (And How to Fight Them) – A breakdown of the tactics insurers use to avoid paying claims.
- Kaster Lynch Farrar & Ball, LLP v. Clyde & Co., U.S., LLP – How legal disputes over fees impact clients and lawyers.
- Akeyia Watts v. Edison Insurance Company – A case study in fighting back against big insurance.
Today’s Insight
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
At Boltz Legal, we know what it feels like to be on the wrong side of an abuse of power. A wrongful arrest isn’t just a legal issue — it’s a deeply personal one.
If you’ve been wrongfully detained or arrested in Florida, contact us today. We’ll listen, stand with you, and fight for your rights.