Colombian Man, 33, Arrested After Punching Cocoa Beach Police Officer in Face

By  //  May 31, 2022

suspect identified as Jovani Amado, 33, from Colombia

Cocoa Beach Police arrested 33-year-old Jovani Amado, from Colombia, on Sunday around 6:30 a.m. after fighting with, and battering, the police officer who was attempting to provide him help. (BCSO Image)

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA – Cocoa Beach Police arrested 33-year-old Jovani Amado, from Colombia, on Sunday around 6:30 a.m. after fighting with, and battering, the police officer who was attempting to provide him help.

Cocoa Beach Police Officer Ian Olsen responded to the 3000 block of N. Atlantic Ave. regarding an unresponsive male, later identified as Amado, laying in the roadway.

Officer Olsen was able to wake Amado with a sternum rub and determined he was intoxicated.

Upon further checks of Amado’s well-being, the decision was made to take him into protective custody for transport to a treatment facility.

As Amado was assisted to his feet, he suddenly punched Officer Olsen in the jaw. Officer Olsen took Amado to the ground in an effort to restrain him, but Amado continued to resist, grabbing Officer Olsen’s Taser and tactical vest.

Corporal Matt Eastman arrived on-scene and deployed his Taser, causing Amado to release his grip on Officer Olsen’s equipment.

However, Amado continued to fight and was subsequently sprayed with chemical irritant, allowing officers to take him into custody without further incident.

“Excellent job by our officers to get this individual restrained, using only the reasonable amount of force necessary, before he could further endanger himself or the general public. I’m proud of Officer Olsen for staying in the fight after taking one on the jaw,” said Chief Scott Rosenfeld.

Amado was transported to a nearby hospital for medical clearance, then to the county jail, charged with Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting Arrest with Violence.

“Excellent job by our officers to get this individual restrained, using only the reasonable amount of force necessary, before he could further endanger himself or the general public. I’m proud of Officer Olsen for staying in the fight after taking one on the jaw,” said Chief Scott Rosenfeld.