ORLANDO, Fla. – A man says he was pepper-sprayed by an Orlando police officer early Monday morning while recording video of officers detaining someone else in downtown Orlando.
James Lake told News 6 he was walking along Orange Avenue around 3 a.m. when he saw several officers making an arrest. He said he pulled out his cellphone to record the incident when one of the officers directed him to move back.
“He began to tell us about the 25 feet, let’s move back a little bit, so I cooperate and I move back, respecting, obeying his orders,” Lake said. “I’m stepping back and just ups his mace and sprays me right in my face.”
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
Lake said he had just left a night out in downtown Orlando and was heading to his car when the encounter happened. He described blurred vision and difficulty breathing as a result of the pepper spray.
“I’m still going through the effects right now. I can’t breathe in deep. I don’t want nobody to go through that,” he said.
A Florida “Halo Law” passed in 2024 makes it illegal to film within 25 feet of a police officer or a first responder after being told to move back. If the person filming does not honor that, they can be arrested and spend up to 60 days in jail.
[WATCH: What is the new Florida Halo law?]
News 6 emailed the Orlando Police Department seeking comment about the incident but had not received a response as of Monday afternoon.
According to Orlando police policy, chemical agents “should only be used in a direct application in those situations in which an arrest is likely. If an arrest is not made, the watch commander shall be notified as soon as possible, and an incident report shall be completed concerning the incident.”
Lake said he wants the department to review what happened and provide him with an explanation.
“Give me the response. Tell me what happened. Tell me why. I deserve that,” he said.
Lake also said he is exploring legal options and hopes to make a full recovery.