19-231 ***UPDATE*** Detectives Investigate Use Of Force Incident After Man Fled From Deputies And Was Seriously Injured In Unincorporated Clearwater
Patrol Incident
***UPDATE as of 2:15 p.m. on October 31, 2019***
Baudillo Mendez-Vasquez (Arrested)
DOB: 12/5/1993
Address: 24479 US Highway 19 N, lot #825, Clearwater
Charge: Felony Misuse of 911
On October 31, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., Sheriff Gualtieri held a press conference to discuss the Use of Force incident on August 18, 2019.
Upon completion of our investigation, detectives determined 25-year-old Baudillo Mendez-Vasquez made a false complaint to 911, which resulted in the death of 31-year-old Baudilio Morales-Velasquez.
During the press conference Sheriff Gualtieri discussed the determination of the State Attorney’s investigation which found that the death was by accident and misfortune, therefore an excusable homicide, pursuant to Section 782.03, Florida Statutes.
The State Attorney’s letter is attached below along with the press conference video.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1IJYHVmsfQL8MUtJvcm5Ryt6WiLSLS5VY
***END OF UPDATE***
*** UPDATE as of 2:30 p.m. on August 31, 2019 ***
Baudilio Morales-Velasquez (Deceased)
DOB: 06/21/1988
Address: 24195 US Highway 19 North, Clearwater
Detectives say 31-year-old Baudilio Morales-Velasquez, has died after being in critical condition since August 18, 2019. On Friday, August 30, 2019, at about 1:46 p.m., Morales-Velasquez was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
An autopsy was performed on Saturday, August 31, 2019, and the results are pending.
An internal investigation will be conducted. Once all the facts and circumstances surrounding the case are known, more information will be available.
This is an open and ongoing investigation.
No further information is available at this time.
The investigation continues.
***END OF UPDATE***
***Original News Release***
Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
Investigative Operations Bureau
- Robbery & Homicide Unit
Baudillo Mendez Vasquez (Complainant)
DOB: 12/5/1993
Address: 24479 US Highway 19 N, lot #825, Clearwater
Adult Male (Injured)- Detectives are still working to positively identify the injured man.
What:
Pinellas detectives are investigating a use of force incident after an unidentified man fled from deputies and was seriously injured.
When:
Deputies received the call at about 10:14 p.m. on Sunday, August 18, 2019.
Where:
Deputies were called to a residence located at 24479 U.S. Highway 19 North in Clearwater.
Deputies apprehended the unidentified man at 24195 U.S. Highway 19 North in Clearwater.
Why/How:
At about 10:14 p.m. on Sunday, August 18, 2019, deputies were called to a residence located at 24479 U.S. Highway 19 North, lot #825, in Clearwater, for an unknown problem.
Detectives say 25-year-old Baudillo Vasquez called 911 and said he needed police. Due to a language barrier and the fact that Vasquez was intoxicated, 911 call takers were having trouble obtaining information from Vasquez.
As deputies were responding to the residence they were notified that an unidentified subject had battered Vasquez and then left the residence on a bike.
Deputies circulating the area stopped a man fitting the subject description riding a bicycle not far from the residence. Initially, the unidentified subject was cooperative with deputies but then fled from deputies on foot.
Deputies gave chase and deployed an electronic control weapon in an attempt to stop the fleeing subject.
The subject continued to resist deputies and was handcuffed before losing consciousness.
Deputies rendered medical aid to the subject and paramedics responded to the scene.
The man was transported to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg Hospital where he remains in critical condition.
This is an open and ongoing investigation.
No further information is available at this time.
The investigation continues.
