Brevard County man, shot by police, confined to wheelchair, acquitted of felony charges

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A judge ruled Thursday that a man who has been confined to a wheelchair after a Cocoa Beach police-involved shooting in May 2012 has been acquitted of all charges.

“I believe that being confined to that wheelchair for the rest of your life is punishment enough. Credit for time served; good luck,” Judge Charlie Crawford told Olivier Babadjide, 34.

Channel 9's Melonie Holt was in a Brevard County courtroom when the judge made the decision.

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Police were called in May 2012 to a 7-Eleven on A1A by a clerk who said Babajide was acting strange. They said that behavior continued when Babadjide refused to follow officers’ commands and was shot twice.

He was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence and resisting arrest without violence.

Babadjide was acquitted Wednesday of any felony charges.

“I believe the judge realized the situation, and I think he realized the gravity of Mr. Babadjide's condition at this point and realized that he had to respect the jury's verdict. And the facts were what they were,” Bryan Savy, Babadjide’s defense attorney, said.

Babadjide was sentenced to credit time served, which was one day.

The court imposed standard court costs and a cost of investigation of $700 to be paid to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office for the work done by its crime scene investigators.

“I hope we can at least move on from this aspect of his life,” Savy said.

Babadjide has filed a civil lawsuit against the city of Cocoa Beach and two of its officers.

Cox Media Group