In a decisive ruling against qualified immunity for two Osceola County deputies, U.S. District Judge Gregory Presnell has denied the shield for officers involved in the fatal shooting at a Target parking lot in 2023. Citing "a series of reckless and unreasonable decisions," Judge Presnell laid bare the sequence of events that escalated a minor shoplifting incident into a lethal confrontation, according to an exhaustive 60-page order highlighted by the Orlando Sentinel.
The matter stems from an incident on April 27, 2022, after deputies, leaving an early training on vehicle takedowns, were directed to "gear up" for a reported theft by Jayden Baez and his companions, who were accused of stealing $46 worth of pizza and Pokémon cards. Deputies used unmarked vehicles to surround the suspects' car in the Target parking lot. When Baez attempted to drive away, deputies Ramy Yacoub and Scott Koffinas opened fire, resulting in Baez's death. The firing officers were cleared of criminal charges but now face a civil lawsuit, as brought to light in a report from WFTV.
Further eroding the claim to qualified immunity, Judge Presnell's court order expressed that under no reasonable circumstances should officers have initiated the takedown without notice or engaged in the “recklessly employed deadly force” exhibited that day. Particularly damning was the revelation that none of the deputies activated their lights and sirens, contributing to the confusion and panic that likely incited Baez to attempt an escape.
With the civil trial expected to start in April, the case continues to cast a long shadow over the Osceola County Sheriff's Office practices and the incident itself. Judge Presnell also dismissed allegations suggesting Sheriff Marcos Lopez, who has since been removed from office on unrelated charges, fostered a culture of excessive force within the department.
