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Deputy's Taser Ignites Fire, Severely Burning Suspect

  • A Florida sheriff's deputy fired his Taser near a gas pump, causing a fire that injured the deputy, two other officers, and a suspect.
  • The suspect, Jean Barretto Baerga, suffered burns over 75% of his body from the fire and now faces $7 million in medical bills.
  • Deputy David Crawford has been charged with culpable negligence for igniting the fire by firing his Taser near the pump.
  • Despite warnings to turn off the pump, Crawford tackled Baerga, accused of reckless driving, and fired his Taser, causing an explosion.
  • Crawford is on paid administrative leave as the incident is investigated; another officer received unpaid suspension for also firing a Taser.
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