But PD Still Claiming “Marsy’s Law” And Hiding Name Of Officers Who Opened Fire. Department May Have To Release Names Within Weeks…
BY: ANDREW COLTON | Editor and Publisher
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2022 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The two Boca Raton Police Officers who shot a mentally ill man outside Barnes and Noble on Glades Road near Florida Atlantic University have been cleared of any wrongdoing.
Sources within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement tell BocaNewsNow.com that the just-completed investigative report was reviewed by the State Attorney’s Office which decided there were no grounds to prosecute the officers involved. The Boca Raton Police Department did not respond to a request for comment on the findings. It is unclear if the officers face internal discipline for the shooting.
Jordan Thompson, allegedly wielding a knife, made what are described as threatening gestures to passersby outside the Barnes and Noble late on July 8th, 2021. Two Boca Raton Police Officers responded to the scene and ordered Thompson to drop his knife. Instead, he allegedly made threatening gestures towards the police. At least one officer opened fire, wounding Thompson. He remained hospitalized, in critical condition, for months. Friends of Thompson told BocaNewsNow.com that he was suffering a mental “break” and needed mental health intervention, not bullets.
Boca Raton Police Still Hiding Officer Identities.
Claiming that the Boca Raton Police Officers are the true “victims” of the shooting, the Boca Raton Police Department has refused to release their identities — claiming the officers are protected by Marsy’s Law. Marsy’s Law is designed to protect victims of violent crime from being re-victimized by their attackers, but the police department is claiming that the officers are crime victims since Thompson allegedly lunged towards them. The Boca Raton Police Department, and Chief Michele Miuccio, have come under fire for suggesting that officers who are paid to fight crime can claim Marsy’s Law protection while carrying out their duties. Using Chief Miuccio’s logic, any officer who feels threatened at any time during a shift could claim that they are the victim of crime and hide their actions from public view.
Charges Against Thompson Dramatically Reduced.
Thompson, who initially was charged with two counts of “attempted murder of a law enforcement officer,” is now only facing two counts of “aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.” The charges still carry substantial jail or prison time, but “aggravated assault” is significantly less serious than “attempted murder.” Thompson’s next hearing is set for April 20th. BocaNewsNow.com has learned that a plea deal could lead to charges being dropped entirely. If criminal charges are dropped, the Boca Raton Police Department would be compelled to release the names of the officers who shot Thompson. There would be no crime victim. Marsy’s Law would no longer apply.
