Ormond Beach, Florida — A shocking act of police brutality has rocked the Ormond Beach community and drawn widespread outrage across the state. A former police officer is now facing criminal charges after video footage captured him violently throwing a handcuffed woman to the ground during an arrest — an act described by officials as a “serious violation” of departmental policies and basic human rights.
The incident, which occurred earlier this year, involved former Ormond Beach Police Officer Jacob Cannon and Shauna McCree, a local woman who was restrained at the time. According to official reports, McCree was being arrested when Cannon, in what appeared to be a sudden and unprovoked outburst, forcefully threw her head-first onto the ground.
The violent impact caused a deep wound on McCree’s forehead that required seven stitches. Despite the severity of the incident, Cannon allegedly told first responders on the scene that the woman had “slipped and fallen” — a claim later disproven by video evidence obtained by Channel 9 Eyewitness News.
Two Investigations Launched: “This Is Unacceptable”
The Ormond Beach Police Department immediately initiated two separate investigations following the encounter. The first was a criminal investigation led by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to determine whether Cannon’s actions constituted a criminal offense.
The second was an internal review conducted by the department’s Internal Affairs Unit, tasked with evaluating whether Cannon had violated departmental procedures and policies.
The results of that internal investigation were damning: Cannon was found to have violated eight separate department policies, including:
- Negligence
- Endangering others
- Excessive use of force (the most serious violation)
Police Chief [Name] addressed the media in front of the department headquarters, expressing strong disapproval of Cannon’s conduct.
“This behavior is completely unacceptable,” the chief said. “Our officers are held to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. What happened here does not reflect our values, and we will make sure incidents like this do not happen again.”
Community Outrage and Officer’s Resignation
The footage quickly circulated on social media, sparking outrage among community members and reigniting the national debate over police accountability and the use of force. Several local advocacy groups have called for deeper reforms, citing this case as an example of why oversight is critical.
Just days before he was scheduled to turn himself in to authorities, Jacob Cannon resigned from the Ormond Beach Police Department. His resignation did not shield him from criminal liability: he now faces a felony battery charge and is scheduled to appear in court on August 11.
Legal experts say the video evidence will likely play a crucial role in the case. “When you have clear, unambiguous footage of excessive force, it’s very difficult for the defense to argue justification,” one former prosecutor explained.
A Pledge for Transparency
The department has since pledged to increase transparency and oversight. Officials stated they are reviewing current training protocols, implementing additional de-escalation training, and strengthening internal accountability measures.
Despite multiple attempts by Channel 9 to contact Cannon’s legal representatives, no response has been received so far.
Meanwhile, Shauna McCree, who suffered both physical and emotional trauma from the incident, is considering legal action against the city and the former officer. Her family says they want justice — not just for her, but to ensure that what happened to her “never happens to anyone else again.”
A Broader Conversation
This case is more than just one officer’s misconduct; it highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Across the country, departments are facing increasing scrutiny to ensure officers are held accountable when they abuse their power.
For the residents of Ormond Beach, the question remains: Will justice truly be served?
