CITY OF ST.

CLOUD POLICE DEPARTMENT

OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

***NEWS RELEASE***
October 7th, 2022
NR 22-05
BATTERY ON LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER – Statement
from St Cloud Police Department Chief of Police, Chief Goerke
St. Cloud, FL – I am aware of the video circulating on social media surrounding the events that took
place at St. Cloud High School yesterday morning involving the arrest of a student for Battery of a Law
Enforcement Officer and Resisting an Officer with Violence. After reviewing all available videos,
including Officer Ball’s Body Worn Camera, what I witnessed was extremely disturbing. As Officer Ball
was separating two students from fighting each other, another student, suddenly and without
provocation, walked up, dropped his backpack, and grabbed Officer Ball by the neck, pulling him away
from the initial fight.
Officer Ball then focused his attention on the third student attempting to control him with the least
amount of force possible. The student picked up Officer Ball and slammed him to the ground. With the
help of a few amazing students and a school administrator, Officer Ball and another School Resource
Officer were able to gain control of the student on the ground until other officers arrived to assist them
in securing the student.
To be clear, the incident Officer Ball was dealing with did not involve the student that was arrested.
Officer Ball was there to prevent two other students from harming each other. What occurred to Officer
Ball was despicable and should never have happened. We will never tolerate behavior that targets our
officers and will hold those accountable at the highest levels. We have been asked to provide body
camera footage and are working to fulfill those requests as quickly as possible.
I am so proud of our School Resource Officers. They truly care about our students and show the highest
poise & compassion. Officer Ball is the epitome of professionalism and has been at St. Cloud High
School for the past twelve years. The outpouring of support for Officer Ball on social media has been
amazing. We will continue to work closely with our partners at the Osceola County School District to
ensure our students’ safety while on campus.
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If you have or need any additional information regarding this press release, please contact:

Office of Public Information

Sgt. Wayne Souza – wayne.souza@stcloudfl.gov
Cell # 407-799-8234
Office # 407-891-6700 ext. 6765
St. Cloud Police Department - 4700 Neptune Road St. Cloud, FL 34769