| Key Points |
|---|
| 1. Officer Bethany Guerriero was terminated after mishandling a distress call. |
| 2. The incident, captured on body camera footage and surveillance video. |
| 3. Gould’s subsequent federal lawsuit against Guerriero and Officer Joseph Strzelecki seeks justice for the wrongful arrest. |
A shocking incident involving Palm Beach Gardens Police Officer Bethany Guerriero has led to her termination after a mishandled response to a distress call. On May 9, 2023, Guerriero pointed a gun at an unarmed man, Ryan Gould, who had called the police for help during a dispute at a South Florida apartment complex. The controversial incident, which has sparked significant outrage, came to light through a widely circulated video and has resulted in a federal lawsuit against Guerriero and another officer involved.
Gould had sought police assistance after being threatened by another man, but instead found himself wrongfully arrested and subjected to unnecessary force. The public backlash intensified as more details emerged, including footage showing the officer’s aggressive actions and Gould’s subsequent mistreatment. The incident has raised serious questions about police conduct and accountability, leading to Guerriero’s dismissal and ongoing legal proceedings.
The Incident at the Pool
Ryan Gould was swimming laps at the Sabal Ridge apartment complex when a verbal altercation with another resident, Benedetto Salvia, escalated. After Salvia brandished a gun during the argument, Gould called the police. However, Salvia called the police first, accusing Gould of harassment. When officers arrived, Guerriero mistakenly identified Gould as the aggressor, despite him being unarmed and in swim trunks.
Guerriero’s Actions and Backlash
Officer Guerriero, along with Officer Joseph Strzelecki, arrived at the scene and escalated the situation by pulling a gun on Gould and ordering him to the ground. Despite Gould’s attempts to explain he was not the one with the firearm, Guerriero handcuffed and arrested him for resisting arrest without violence. The incident was captured on body camera footage and surveillance video, which later went viral, leading to widespread criticism.
LackLuster’s Role and Internal Affairs Investigation
Gould turned to the YouTube channel LackLuster, known for police accountability content, which helped bring the incident to light by obtaining and publishing the footage. The video, titled “Innocent Man Locked Up By Unhinged Cop – Chief Escalates,” led to an internal affairs investigation. Guerriero was subsequently fired on August 25, 2023, after the investigation confirmed her mishandling of the situation.
Guerriero’s Defense and Federal Lawsuit
In a deposition made public, Guerriero defended her actions, claiming she felt threatened by Gould’s stance, which she described as a “bladed stance.” Despite her claims, the video evidence showed Gould stepping back as she approached aggressively. Gould has since filed a federal lawsuit against Guerriero and Strzelecki, seeking justice for his wrongful arrest.
The Unarrest and Aftermath
After Guerriero was transported to the hospital for chest pains during the incident, other officers reviewed the surveillance footage and determined Gould was the victim. Palm Beach Gardens Police Sgt. Dennis Beath ordered Gould’s release and apologized for the wrongful arrest. Gould was taken to jail in only shorts and Crocs but was released after the sergeant intervened.
The fallout from this incident continues as the federal lawsuit progresses. Salvia, who brandished the gun, received a misdemeanor charge and was required to attend an anger management class. He pleaded no contest and had his gun returned without spending time in handcuffs or jail. This incident underscores the importance of proper police conduct and accountability, especially in situations involving potential violence and misunderstandings.
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