INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A Martin Correctional Institution officer who pulled a loaded gun on a teen, chased him down with a vehicle, choked him then had his son place him in handcuffs, was arrested Wednesday, deputies said.
The man – identified as Arnold Luis Borrero – told deputies he saw the 18-year-old victim strike his son in South County Park, deputies said. The victim said he and the son, 16 years old, were playing basketball when the two began to “slap box,” Indian River County sheriff’s spokesman Maj. Eric Flowers said.
When deputies arrived, they saw the victim in handcuffs, hysterical and crying, reports show. “He was scared for his life,” Flowers said. The victim told deputies Borrero threatened to shoot him while pointing the pistol in his face, reports show.
Deputies arrested Borrero, 58, on charges of aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony, battery and improper exhibition of firearm or weapon. Borrero was released Thursday from the Indian River County Jail on $5,500 bond.
Borrero’s address and booking photo were not available. State law exempts photos and addresses of officers who have been arrested from being released.
The disturbance took place the evening of May 6 in the 1500 block of Oslo Road, deputies said. The handcuffed victim spotted deputies as they arrived at the park.
He immediately ran to deputies and demanded to be placed in the back seat of the patrol car, deputies said.
Deputies also saw Borrero, wearing his brown department of corrections uniform. Borrero also had a fanny pack around his waist. Inside was a loaded .40 caliber handgun, reports show.
Borrero told deputies he spotted the victim hit his son. Borrero said he chased the victim, but did not show his firearm, reports show.
However, the victim said he and the son were slap boxing. The victim no longer wanted to interact with the son. Then, Borrero pulled out his .40 caliber handgun, the victim and other witnesses told deputies.
The victim and the other kids at the park ran. The victim said Borrero and his son hopped in a black Crown Ford Victoria, resembling an unmarked patrol car, and began to chase the victim, reports show.
Borrero caught up to the victim and threw him to the ground, authorities said. Borrero choked the victim with his left hand for several minutes while pointing a firearm at his head, Flowers said.
Borrero then had his son handcuff the victim just before deputies arrived, reports show.
Wednesday, deputies arrested Borrero on a warrant. Borrero has an arraignment at 8:45 a.m. July 3, court records show.
Flowers said deputies notified MCI of the arrest; the institution was not immediately available for comment Thursday night. It was unclear if Borrero was placed on administrative leave.
