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Deputy Accused Of Using Excessive Force Quits

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By MIKE WELLS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 1, 2007

TAMPA - A Hillsborough County deputy has resigned amid allegations he beat a suspect on the head with a pair of handcuffs and then punched the man after he was restrained, according to sheriff's documents.

Christopher 'Bear' McCullough, 26, quit during the agency's disciplinary review process, but supervisors ultimately decided he should be dismissed, according to the internal affairs report.

Officials say they upheld allegations against him on use of excessive force, misdemeanor battery, conduct unbecoming a deputy and failure to follow department policies regarding ride-along guests. No criminal charges have been filed.

McCullough joined the sheriff's office in January 2005. In July, he stopped a motorist for speeding and ran over flares in the road that were in place to signal a lane blockage, the internal affairs investigative report states.

The report gave this account of the incident:

The deputy discovered through a records check that the driver, Larry Norman, 22, of Gibsonton, did not have a valid driver's license. McCullough also suspected that Norman was intoxicated. When the deputy returned to the man's 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier to question him, Norman bolted from the car.

McCullough chased Norman and tackled him on nearby railroad tracks, the report states. A struggle ensued, and the deputy was able to handcuff Norman with the assistance of Scott Harris, who was not a deputy but a longtime friend who was riding in the deputy's patrol car.

Officials determined McCullough had not gotten proper permission for having Harris in the car.

When questioned later, Norman told investigators the deputy hit him repeatedly on the back of his head with handcuffs clenched in his fist. After Norman was handcuffed, the deputy punched him on the left side of the head, the report states.

Other deputies who responded told investigators they saw blood coming from Norman's face and ears. Blood was seen on McCullough's shirt, and there were 'fresh abrasions to his right index and middle finger,' the report states.

McCullough blamed the cuts on his hand and Norman's injuries on the tackle at the railroad tracks.

Norman also had a large bruise on his right hip, the report states.

The nature of the driver's injuries and McCullough's inconsistent statements regarding the incident led investigators to think the deputy had misrepresented his actions, the report states.

Sheriff David Gee was a longtime friend of McCullough's late father, rancher and farm supply store owner A.L. 'Buddy' McCullough, who died in 2003, according to published reports.

Reporter Mike Wells can be reached at (813) 259-7839 or mwells@tampatrib.com.

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