JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office patrol officer has been arrested after investigators determined he unlawfully struck a handcuffed man while the man was in custody at the Duval County Jail, Sheriff T.K. Waters announced Tuesday.
Officer Shane Saydek, who has been employed by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office since March 27, 2023, was arrested on one count of battery, a first-degree misdemeanor.
According to Sheriff Waters, Saydek was immediately stripped of his law enforcement authority following his arrest. Although civil service procedures must be followed, the Sheriff’s Office said it will seek his termination.
The incident occurred early Monday, July 13, after Saydek arrested 43-year-old Kaashif Griffin on charges of possession of an open container in a vehicle and resisting an officer.
Investigators said Griffin was highly intoxicated at the time of his arrest, which allegedly caused Saydek to become increasingly frustrated during the encounter.
While Griffin was handcuffed on jail property, Saydek allegedly struck him.
Authorities said Griffin did not suffer injuries requiring medical treatment.
The incident was captured on Saydek’s body-worn camera.
A second Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officer witnessed the strike, believed it was inappropriate and immediately reported the incident through the chain of command.
The Sheriff’s Office Integrity Unit launched an investigation and, after reviewing the evidence, developed probable cause to charge Saydek with battery. He was arrested Tuesday afternoon, July 14.
Saydek has been suspended pending the outcome of the case.
Sheriff Waters said the officer’s actions violated both state law and Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office policy and described the conduct as “plainly wrong.” While acknowledging that officers may experience frustration when dealing with intoxicated or uncooperative suspects, Waters said that frustration does not justify the use of unlawful force.
The sheriff also praised the officer who reported the incident, saying the willingness to come forward demonstrated accountability within the agency.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Saydek’s arrest marks the sixth arrest of a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office employee by the agency this year.