FL Officer's Conviction in Shooting of Unarmed Therapist Overturned
At the 2019 trial, Officer Aledda testified that witnesses had called to report a man with a gun and that he believed Kinsey was being held hostage. The jury acquitted him of two felony counts of attempted manslaughter but convicted him on the misdemeanor.

In 2019, Jonathan Aledda (center) was convicted of misdemanor culpable negligence in the shooting of Charles Kinsey. (Local 10 Screen Shot)
A Florida appeals court has overturned the conviction of a North Miami police officer in the 2016 shooting of an unarmed mental health therapist, saying a judge erred by not allowing testimony about the officer’s training.
In 2019, Jonathan Aledda was convicted of misdemanor culpable negligence in the shooting of Charles Kinsey, Local10 reports.
Video showed Kinsey on the ground with his hands up as Aledda, armed with a rifle, threatened to shoot Kinsey’s therapy patient Arnaldo Rios.
Rios, who has autism and was 26 at the time, had escaped from the group home where Kinsey worked as a caretaker. Rios was holding a silver toy truck that Aledda testified he believed to be a gun.
Kinsey tried to calm down his patient, but Aledda ultimately fired three times at Rios. Two shots missed, but one hit Kinsey in the leg.
At the 2019 trial, Aledda testified that witnesses had called to report a man with a gun and that he believed Kinsey was being held hostage. The jury acquitted him of two felony counts of attempted manslaughter but convicted him on the misdemeanor.
Aledda was sentenced to probation and lost his job. The city of North Miami reached a confidential settlement with Rios.
In an opinion filed Wednesday, the 3rd District Court of Appeal wrote:
“We conclude that the trial court erred by not allowing Aledda — charged by the State with culpable negligence for his assessment of and response to a crime scene — to introduce testimony regarding how Aledda was trained to assess and respond in such circumstances.”
More Patrol

Streamlight to Showcase Newest Lighting Products at National Safety Council’s Safety Congress & Expo 2026
Streamlight will showcase its latest lights, including the Portable Scene Light III and the LiteBox 1Million, at the 2026 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo.
Read More →
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games Set for Perth, Australia
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) will take place in Perth, Western Australia, from Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 21, 2027.
Read More →
5.11 Partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to Support #ForThe343
5.11 has joined the nationwide movement honoring the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
Read More →
Team Wendy Announces Title Sponsorship of the Jorge Pastore Foundation
Team Wendy’s 3-year partnership with the Jorge Pastore Foundation expands access to programs that strengthen those who serve.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Hosting 9/11 25th-Year Commemoration Ceremony
The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum is hosting a 9/11 25th Year Commemoration Ceremony on Sept. 11 at 4 p.m.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces June 2026 Officers of the Month
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) named 15 officers of the Chico Police Department (California) as the Officers of the Month for June 2026 for their roles in responding to an active-shooter incident at a public library.
Read More →
Team Wendy App Creates New Digital Hub for Helmet Owners
The Team Wendy Community App provides one location for warranty registration, size-fit tools, product updates, and community connection. For helmet owners, the new app creates a simpler path to the information and tools that matter most.
Read More →
PositionPTT & Pryme Combine Communication Technologies to Deliver Distracted Driving Compliance
Pryme Radio Accessories and hardware/software maker PositionPTT join forces to advance hands-free communications and ensure Department of Transportation compliance using an integrated system of push-to-talk platforms, devices, and audio equipment.
Read More →
Justice Department Releases $25M in Law Enforcement Grants & Resources
The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services has just released $25 million in new grant Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) to support law enforcement. The recently released NOFOs include the Safer Outcomes: Enhancing Crisis Response Training for Law Enforcement Program and other grant programs.
Read More →
What Makes a Laptop Rugged or Fully Rugged?
What separates a rugged laptop from a fully rugged one? In this video, two Panasonic Connect experts explain the military testing, IP ratings, durability standards, and real-world features that help law enforcement officers rely on their computers in any environment.
Read More →