In a dramatic turn of events captured on body camera footage, a Florida deputy, Jesse Hernandez, was seen firing his weapon at his patrol vehicle after mistaking the sound of an acorn hitting the roof for a gunshot. The incident, which occurred in November 2023 near Fort Walton Beach, has sparked controversy and raised concerns about law enforcement response protocols.

The footage, recently released alongside an internal investigation report by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, depicts the chaotic scene as Hernandez discharged his firearm multiple times while a handcuffed suspect was inside the patrol car. Despite no actual threat being present, Hernandez shouted “I’m hit! I’m hit!” and proceeded to fire at the vehicle, prompting a sergeant to also discharge her weapon in response to what she believed was imminent danger to Hernandez.

The events unfolded as Hernandez and the sergeant responded to a report of a stolen vehicle. The situation escalated when a woman reported threats from her boyfriend, including what appeared to be a firearm suppressor in his possession. The boyfriend was detained, handcuffed, and placed in the patrol vehicle, setting the stage for the misunderstanding that followed.

During the subsequent investigation, it was revealed that what Hernandez had perceived as a suppressed weapon was, in fact, the sound of an acorn hitting the vehicle’s roof. Despite this revelation, Hernandez maintained his belief that the noise was louder than an acorn impact, highlighting the subjective nature of the situation.

The internal investigation concluded that Hernandez’s use of force was “not objectively reasonable,” leading to his resignation from the force. However, the sergeant’s actions were deemed “objectively reasonable,” and she was cleared of any wrongdoing.

Sheriff Eric Aden acknowledged the trauma experienced by the detained individual and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of both officers and citizens in such situations. He underscored the need for continued training to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges law enforcement officers face in high-pressure situations and the importance of comprehensive training and de-escalation tactics in ensuring public safety.