​On the evening of February 17, 2025, Deputy Austin Bryce Canaan of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Department was involved in a controversial incident that has since garnered significant public attention. At approximately 9:20 PM, Deputy Canaan stopped an elderly gentleman for a bicycle light violation. The situation escalated rapidly, with Deputy Canaan employing force that many have deemed excessive given the circumstances. The encounter was captured on video, which has been widely circulated and sparked discussions about appropriate use of force by law enforcement officers. ​YouTube
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Department has not released any statements regarding Deputy Canaan’s disciplinary history.​
The incident has prompted calls from community members and civil rights organizations for a thorough investigation into Deputy Canaan’s actions and for broader discussions on law enforcement practices. The Sheriff’s Department has yet to announce any official inquiry or disciplinary measures related to the event.
Does a Bike light violation warrant this excessive force? Force should be measured and reciprocal.
[Return to blog post](https://watchaudits.com/excessive-force-on-senior-citizen-for-bike-lights/)
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