A Brookline police detective found himself on the wrong side of the law after an altercation at Disney World, trade in a fairy tale setting for a set of handcuffs. Det. Duane Danforth, 38, who was off-duty at the time, has been put on paid administrative leave following his arrest on Jan. 30 for allegedly assaulting Disney security staff and a deputy sheriff at Epcot, as reported by WCVB.
According to an affidavit, the trouble began when Danforth attempted to bulldoze his way into a private event at the park, ignoring a security guard's instructions to reroute. The situation escalated quickly when Danforth allegedly threatened the guard, stating "I am going to (expletive) kill you," before shoving past him. Brookline Police Chief Jennifer Paster confirmed through WHDH that the detective is now on leave pending an internal probe.
Witnesses and video evidence support claims that a seemingly "intoxicated" Danforth, who was carrying a young child at the time, also pushed a second security guard. Later, he allegedly resisted arrest and assaulted a deputy sheriff near the park's turnstile. This behavior starkly contrasts with Danforth's previous recognition as Officer of the Year in 2021, lauded for his de-escalation skills, and his service as a US Army veteran.
While the Brookline Police Union acknowledged the incident in a statement, they stressed that "no person is perfect" and hoped the "single instance of alleged misconduct should not overshadow his otherwise exemplary service to Brookline and our country." This point of view provides a stark reminder of the imperfect nature of those tasked with upholding the law. As Danforth's career hangs in balance, the investigation continues to determine the repercussions of his actions at the happiest place on earth.
