VIDEO: Body Camera Video Clears Florida Deputy of Excessive Force Claim in Shoplifter Arrest

A Tampa-area sheriff has released body camera footage captured by one of his deputies as he tried to arrest an accused shoplifter. The footage shows that despite claims of excessive force the arrest was within policy and lawful.

The incident happened last Friday outside of Bealls along Bruce B Downs Blvd in Wesley Chapel. Sheriff Chris Nocco said he reviewed the body cam footage, which is more than 25 minutes long. He said his deputy was justified in how he handled the situation. According to authorities, Tiffany Tebo tried to leave the store without paying for shoes.

Sheriff Nocco told WPTV that a witness provided their department with cellphone video and said the footage showed excessive force. But one of them is 30 seconds, the other 1:28, and they do not capture the entire 25-minute arrest

"That citizen tried to put that out here and say it's police brutality, but when you see the entire video, which we have because of (a) body worn camera, it protects our agency and it protects the deputy. It shows he (was) justified in his actions," Sheriff Nocco said.