Newly surfaced police body camera footage has ignited controversy surrounding the arrest of Matteo Falcinelli, a 25-year-old student at Florida International University (FIU), in North Miami Beach, Florida.

Altercation at Dean’s Gold Gentleman’s Club

The incident unfolded on Feb. 25 at Dean’s Gold Gentleman’s Club, where Falcinelli, originally from Italy, allegedly refused to leave the premises after being escorted out by a security guard. According to an arrest report, Falcinelli became confrontational, touching and pushing two North Miami Beach Police officers while demanding a refund.

Use of Force and Restraint Techniques

Following Falcinelli’s resistance, officers subdued him and placed him under arrest. Subsequently, while in custody, Falcinelli was subjected to a leg hobble restraint, a practice described by his attorney, Chad Piotrowski, as controversial. Piotrowski expressed concern over the force used during Falcinelli’s arrest and the application of hogtying, emphasizing the associated risks, including potential breathing restriction and positional asphyxia.

City’s Response and Statistics

The City of North Miami Beach defended the officers’ actions, stating that they acted in accordance with state standards and department policy. Citing a 2020 report from the U.S. Department of Justice, the city highlighted the widespread use of leg hobbles in law enforcement agencies across the country, including those in cities with similar population demographics.

Discrepancies and Call for Justice

Falcinelli’s mother, Vlasta Studenicova, expressed disbelief at the events leading to her son’s arrest, emphasizing the disparity between the police report and the body camera footage. She called for justice and voiced her hope that similar incidents would be prevented in the future.

Legal Proceedings

Falcinelli faced charges of battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, and trespassing. However, he entered into a deferred prosecution agreement for the battery and resisting arrest charges, with the trespassing charge being dropped.

Seeking Accountability

Despite the City of North Miami Beach’s defense of its officers’ actions, the incident has raised questions about police conduct and the use of force, prompting calls for accountability and transparency.

For further details, NEWS.ORG 6 reached out to North Miami Beach Police for additional comment.

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