Protest Video Released Showing Man Throwing Bottles At Deputies

PLANT CITY, FL — After reports circulated on social media that Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies shot at a peaceful protester in Plant City, the sheriff's office released video showing the man throwing bottles at deputies during a protest Tuesday in Plant City.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies were monitoring a mostly peaceful protest on June 2 near the Race Trac at 1722 James L. Redman Parkway in Plant City when they said Osvaldo "Ozzy" Banda, 21, of the 1000 block of Spencer St. W. in Tampa, began throwing bottles at them from the crowd.

Deputies said Banda then retreated back into the crowd of protesters in an attempt to hide from deputies. Banda was also wearing a face covering at the time.

Deputies were able to locate Banda, and fired one round of "less-lethal" ammunition as he ran away from the protests. After later identifying Banda, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office contacted Banda and told him there was a warrant for his arrest. Banda turned himself in at the Orient Road Jail on Friday night where he was arrested on three counts of battery and one charge of misconduct. He was released from jail after posting a surety bond.

Deputies learned that Banda's acquaintances had been spreading false information about the incident and his arrest. The sheriff's office, therefore, decided to release video footage that captured Banda in the act of throwing a bottle at deputies.

"The moment someone tries to incite violence, it is our duty to do everything we can to protect the public and our deputies," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Throwing objects at deputies in an effort to harm them is unacceptable, and anyone caught doing so will be punished to the fullest extent of the law. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office respects the rights of people to peacefully protest."

Protesters gather in front of Race Trac in Plant City.

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