FLORIDA – A police officer with the Titusville Police Department has been arrested for manslaughter following an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
According to an FDLE press release, Joshua Payne, 29, of Winter Park, turned himself into the Brevard County Jail earlier today.
FDLE said it began its investigation last December at the request of Titusville PD following an officer-involved shooting. The incident occurred on December 26 when Payne reportedly attempted to stop the victim who matched the description of a wanted suspect.
The victim fled, and Payne pursued him on foot. Payne deployed his taser, but it was ineffective. He drew his firearm after the victim threw an object over a nearby fence, the FDLE said.
Payne repeatedly gave commands for the victim to stop and get down. However, the victim reportedly climbed over a gate. Once Payne reached the gate, he was reportedly holding both weapons and allegedly fired one round from his handgun, striking the victim who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Payne was booked into the Brevard County Jail.
This case will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office, 18th Judicial Circuit.
