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Public raises allegations about arrest outside Funky Pelican; county sheriff investigating
Summary
Multiple residents used public comment to allege misconduct during the April arrest of a local man outside the Funky Pelican and to say officers muted body cameras; the city said the county sheriff's office is investigating.
Flagler Beach — Public comment during the April 10 Flagler Beach City Commission meeting focused heavily on an April arrest outside a downtown restaurant, where speakers alleged excessive force, body-camera muted recordings and improper use of arrest powers. The city told the commission the matter has been referred to the Flagler County sheriff’s office for independent investigation.
Multiple speakers described the arrest of Jeff Gray and alleged that officers violated his constitutional rights. Eric (speaker identified by first name) described what he said was “disgusting” treatment and alleged that officers “intentionally engaged in actions to intimidate, harass, lie, coerce, eventually using excessive force, and illegally arresting mister Gray.” John Felix of the Transparency Accountability Coalition urged training on constitutional rights and said the arrest and subsequent actions should be fully investigated.
City response and status City Attorney and city staff told the commission that the matter has been referred to an outside agency: the Flagler County sheriff’s office is investigating the incident. The city attorney characterized the internal status as an external investigation and declined to comment on investigative details while the outside agency reviews the case.
Speakers and evidence claims Speakers said body-camera footage shows officers muting their equipment and that some footage or evidence was withheld. Sean Berry, who identified himself as a meeting attendee, urged changes to policy, saying officers “should never be able to mute their body cam footage.” Others at the meeting said charges were filed initially and later dropped; a speaker who identified himself as Michael Taylor said, “thank goodness those charges were dropped.” That statement is attributed to the speaker.
Calls for accountability and policy review Speakers asked for criminal accountability for the officers involved and for review of body-camera policies and training. The City Manager said staff would provide the written body-camera policy to commissioners and that the city manager would request records as permitted under public-records law. Several speakers urged an independent audit of department practices and for the department to make internal policy public.
Ending: investigation underway The commission did not take formal action on the allegations during the meeting. The city confirmed the county sheriff’s office is investigating the incident; the city said it will provide the body-camera policy and cooperate with the outside inquiry.
