Open container violation becomes excessive force

This bodycam footage comes from Daytona Beach, Florida on 12 March 2026. In enforcing an ordinance which prohibits drinking alcohol in public spaces (otherwise known as an "Open Container" of alcohol), an officer is shown ordering the perpetrator to pour the alcohol out. However, the suspect defers, handing the officer the bottle to dispose of himself. Here, things go off the rails. Although it's not caught on camera, the officer alleges that the man threw the cork from the bottle at him, at which point he moved in to detain him. Other officers assisted, resulting in the man down on the ground. While the official statement reads that the detained man/suspect continued to resist and grab officers, bystander footage allegedly shows that he was already restrained when several blows were delivered. A TASER was also allegedly discharged, despite the restraints. In addition to open container violations, the suspect was charged with battery on a LEO. Rather tellingly, the contact officer has been reassigned away from patrol duty, pending investigation. Prima facie, what it looks like actually happened is this officer let tequila cork hurt his feelings and crossed a line. Viewer discretion is advised due to subject matter.