Daytona Beach, Fla. – The Daytona Beach Police Department announced the termination of Officer Jose Llinas after an internal investigation concluded that his conduct during a March 2026 encounter violated multiple department policies.
Incident captured on body camera
The incident occurred near Bethune‑Cookman University when officers responded to a report that a man had thrown a cork from a liquor bottle at police. According to the department, the encounter began as a routine enforcement action but quickly escalated. Body‑camera footage shows Officer Llinas striking the suspect multiple times and forcing him to the ground. The suspect resisted, prompting Llinas to continue using force, including repeated punches.
Department response and investigation
Following the release of the video, the department launched an internal investigation. Reviewers determined that Officer Llinas breached several use‑of‑force guidelines, including the requirement to employ the minimum force necessary and to de‑escalate when possible. The investigation also noted that this was Llinas’s second use‑of‑force incident within a short period.
Charges initially filed against the suspect were later dropped, and the state attorney’s office elected not to pursue criminal charges against Officer Llinas. Nevertheless, the department concluded that the officer’s actions warranted termination.
Community reaction and next steps
Local community leaders and residents expressed concern over the video, emphasizing the importance of police accountability and the protection of constitutional rights. Several parents and faith‑based groups called for continued oversight of law‑enforcement practices to ensure that officers uphold the standards expected by the community.
The Daytona Beach Police Department said it will continue to review its policies and training programs to prevent similar incidents. The department also reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, noting that the body‑camera footage will remain publicly accessible.
Background on department policies
Daytona Beach Police Department policy requires officers to use force only when necessary, to prioritize verbal commands, and to document any escalation. Violations can result in disciplinary action up to termination, as demonstrated in this case.
While the suspect faced no further legal repercussions, the incident underscores ongoing discussions about police conduct, community safety, and the role of body‑camera technology in providing an objective record of police‑public interactions.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
