TAMPA, FL. (September 10, 2025) – – The Tampa Police Department issued a thirty-day suspension after an internally initiated investigation determined that an officer violated departmental policies related to Professional Responsibility and Philosophy of Enforcement; Standard of Conduct; and Response to Resistance during the arrest of a suspect on April 14, 2025.
“As a department, we recognize that accountability is essential in maintaining trust with our community,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “When those standards are not met, it is my priority that decisive action be taken. In this case, a severe 30-day suspension and required remedial training reflects the Tampa Police Department’s commitment to those we serve. These corrective measures are meant to ensure our officers serve with integrity and uphold the values our community expects and deserves.”
On April 14, 2025, Tampa Police Officers were conducting surveillance on a black Hyundai Sonata which had fled from multiple previous attempts at traffic stops. Just before 9:00 pm, a traffic stop was conducted on the car at the intersection of N Nebraska Ave and E Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Blvd after the car failed to stop at the intersection of E Virginia Ave and N Nebraska Ave. The driver and sole occupant, later identified as 31-year-old Charles Wilson, then fled from the traffic stop.
The Tampa Police Aviation Unit was overhead at the time the traffic stop, and maintained visual surveillance of the car until the it stopped. Wilson exited the vehicle, and fled on foot in the 900 block of E New Orleans Ave. While he was running, he was observed discarding a cross-body bag.
During the foot pursuit, Wilson was observed by the aviation unit as he ran through yards. Aviation officers advised ground units that Wilson was on the back porch of a home in the 5000 block of N 9th St. Officer Bryan Velazquez was engaged in the foot pursuit. Velazquez arrived in the backyard of the residence, confronting Wilson who he believed was trying to enter the home and commanded him to get on the ground.
Velazquez gave loud, verbal commands, ordering Wilson to the ground at gunpoint. After commands, Wilson began to drop to his knees. Velazquez then struck Wilson with a roundhouse-style kick to the head, causing him to fall to his side before he was handcuffed.
The shift commander on duty, who was actively monitoring the aviation video feed, began a quality assurance review after viewing the pursuit, kick, and arrest. Velazquez was immediately relieved of duty, and a formal internal investigation was initiated.
The investigation concluded that the action taken, and language used by Velazquez were in violation of established departmental policies and procedures. It was determined that Velazquez’s use of force was unreasonable, excessive, and was not necessary to safely take the subject into custody. His conduct compromised the professionalism, ethics, and objectives expected of a Tampa Police Officer.
Following Wilson’s arrest, officers later located the cross-body bag that he discarded as he fled. It was found to contain a loaded handgun with one round in the chamber and several additional rounds in the magazine, as well as 38.3 grams of marijuana.
Wilson (BM 9/18/1993), a 12-time convicted felon, was charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Felony, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Fleeing and Attempting to Elude Police, Driving While License Revoked (HTO), Resisting Officer Without Violence, and Possession of Cannabis (more than 20 grams).
“The arrest itself may have made our city safer; however, the manner in which we perform our duty is as important as the outcome,” added Chief Bercaw. “The officer should have used better judgement, restraint, and understanding in his actions.”
Velazquez has been employed with the Tampa Police Department for six years; his prior history of discipline is limited to a traffic infraction.