Melbourne police officers suspended for mishandling counterprotester during animal-rights demonstration

Rick Neale | Florida Today

Show Caption Hide Caption Video: Melbourne police officers suspended Two Melbourne police officers were disciplined for mishandling a complaint about an aggressive, profane counterprotester during a February animal-rights demonstration in front of Melbourne Greyhound Park.

Two Melbourne police officers were disciplined for mishandling a complaint about an aggressive, profane counterprotester during a February animal-rights demonstration in front of Melbourne Greyhound Park.

On Feb. 25, Space Coast Animal Rights organized a small sign-waving demonstration on Wickham Road outside Melbourne Greyhound Park, calling for an end to dog racing.

The group was confronted by the unidentified counterprotester who waved a "Fake News" sign; screamed obscenities within inches of the SCAR protesters' faces; waved his arms around; and called children vulgar names, according to a 131-page police internal investigation.

Fearing the man would become violent, SCAR founder-president Alycia Corpiel called Melbourne police, and the counterprotester left the scene. Officers Jesus Lopez and Victor Anderson responded a few minutes later, and the investigation shows Lopez made a series of "unprofessional comments" to Corpiel, including:

"The counterprotesters have a right to be as foul and chaotic as they would like, even in the presence of children."

"This behavior should be expected if (you) were to continue to hold a protest."

"Why didn't you leave the situation?"

What's more, neither Lopez nor Anderson interviewed witnesses — but the subsequent investigation concluded that the officers had sufficient probable cause to pursue assault and disorderly conduct charges.

Former police chief Steve Mimbs determined that Lopez and Anderson violated departmental policy regarding preliminary investigations and conduct on- and off-duty. Mimbs suspended both officers for 20 hours without pay.

Anderson resigned on May 17, the same day the internal investigation closed.

“I have reviewed the internal affairs investigation on this regrettable incident. The officers exhibited poor judgement by failing to conduct a proper investigation," said Police Chief David Gillespie, who was sworn in Tuesday. Mimbs retired June 2 after 37 years of service.

"The policy violations have been addressed and discipline has been levied in this situation. I would like to assure the community that we will uphold the highest standards at the Melbourne Police Department and will provide the accountability, integrity, and professionalism that citizens expect from their police,” Gillespie said.

Per departmental policy, Mimbs let Lopez substitute accrued leave time in lieu of 12 hours of unpaid suspension. Lopez will serve the balance of his suspension Sunday, said Lt. Cheryl Trainer, police spokeswoman.

The unidentified gray-haired counterprotester wore a white shirt and khaki pants, and he drove a red truck with a Wisconsin tag, Corpiel described to police.

Contact Neale at 321-242-3638, rneale@floridatoday.com or follow @RickNeale1 on Twitter