Osceola deputy arrested for alleged excessive force during DUI arrest

An Osceola County deputy was arrested following an investigation into his conduct during a DUI arrest last month, WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando reported. The incident involved Deputy Joseph Billittier and a 67-year-old woman suspected of driving under the influence near Simpson Road on September 25.

According to the sheriff’s office, the woman was driving the wrong way on Royal Palm Road before ending up in a median on Simpson Road. A 911 caller intervened by removing the keys from her vehicle. The woman was arrested for DUI and handcuffed in the front, despite informing deputies she had a previous clavicle injury and wore a sling on her left arm.

Investigators found that Billittier accused the woman of battering him during the arrest, but body-worn and in-car camera footage contradicted his claim. The footage also showed that the deputy used an unnecessary amount of force while placing her in the patrol car and transporting her to jail, FOX 35 Orlando reported.

As a result, Billittier was charged with battery on a person 65 or older, official misconduct, perjury in an official proceeding, and falsifying public or court records. Sheriff Christopher Blackmon stated that Billittier was immediately relieved of duty pending termination proceedings and emphasized the importance of integrity among law enforcement officers.