Charges have been dropped against the two Philadelphia Police Officers, Cindy Caine and Frank Bonett, that were arrested on April 30, 2019 in Indian Rocks Beach.
On July 10, 2019, the State Attorney’s office in the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida concluded that, “the facts and circumstances revealed do not warrant prosecution at this time.”
The charges against the third individual, Paul Seeger, were changed from resisting an officer with violence to obstructing/resisting officer without violence. This change converted the charges from a felony to a misdemeanor.
In the original press release from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Paul Seeger was referred to as retired from the Philadelphia Police Department. In fact, Seeger was dismissed on April 23, 2009 from the Philadelphia Police Department after being charged with misdemeanors for allegedly threatening other officers. Seeger was a Sergeant and 14 year veteran of the Department at the time of his dismissal. On September 19, 2008, Sergeant Paul Seeger became involved in a domestic dispute, while off-duty, with members of his family, at his residence. Uniform police from the 7th Police District responded to the disturbance, and during the incident Seeger was alleged to have made verbal threats toward the uniformed officers and supervisor. On April 23, 2009, the District Attorney charged Seeger with terrorist threats and disorderly conduct. He was found guilty of named charges and served probation.
Original Article Below
Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the Crabby Bill’s Restaurant located at 401 Gulf Boulevard in Indian Rocks Beach
Deputies responded to the restaurant at approximately 11 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2019, regarding a complaint of a domestic battery that occurred at the business.
When deputies arrived, a witness at the restaurant identified a man later identified as 55-year-old Paul Seeger, as the person who pushed a woman. That woman was later identified as 44 year-old Cindy Caine.
The deputy observed Seeger and Caine arguing near the intersection of 4th Avenue and 1st Street.
The deputy approached the couple and called out to them. In doing so, the couple looked at the deputy and began walking away.
Deputies say Seeger refused to stop and continued walking away after being given multiple warnings to stop.
The deputy grabbed Seeger’s arm to stop him from leaving the scene. The Sheriff’s Office says that Seeger resisted and Caine forcefully pushed the deputy’s arm away helping Seeger to break free.
While trying to stop Seeger, a third subject later identified as 44-year old Frank Bonett, approached the deputy and started making verbal threats. Bonett removed his shirt, clinched his fists, and shouted profanities at the deputy. Bonett continued to advance and aggressively postured the deputy after being told numerous times to stay away.
Deputies say Seeger turned and started approaching the deputy in an angry and hostile manner. The deputy warned both Seeger and Bonett to stop but Seeger refused. The deputy deployed a Taser striking Seeger but it was ineffective.
Seeger took a combative stance and the deputy conducted a take-down maneuver and placed Seeger on the ground. Seeger resisted the deputy and a violent struggle ensued. Seeger was eventually handcuffed and taken into custody.
Responding deputies took Bonett and Caine into custody.
Through the course of the investigation, deputies learned that Caine and Seeger are husband and wife. They were both uncooperative with the investigation.
Deputies believe alcohol was a factor in this case.
Caine, Bonett, and Seeger were arrested and transported to the Pinellas County Jail.
Caine, who is employed as a police officer for the Philadelphia Police Department, was charged with one count of Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer.
Bonett, who is also employed as a police officer with the Philadelphia Police Department, was charged with one count of Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer.
Seeger, who is retired from the Philadelphia Police Department, was charged with one count of domestic battery and one count of Resisting and Officer with Violence.
The investigation continues.