Guatemalan Migrant, 18, Charged with Manslaughter After Florida Deputy Dies from Heart Attack While Arresting Teen for Trespassing

An 18-year-old Guatemalan migrant is now facing a charge of aggravated manslaughter of an officer after a Florida deputy tragically died from a heart attack while attempting to arrest the teen for trespassing through a parking lot.

Background of the Incident

The incident occurred on May 19 at approximately 9 p.m. in the parking lot of a Super 8 motel on Florida 16 in St. Augustine, Florida. The deputy involved, 52-year-old St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Michael Kunovich, noticed the young man, identified as 18-year-old Guatemalan migrant Vergilio Aguilar Mendez, behaving suspiciously.

According to the arrest report, Sgt. Kunovich approached Aguilar Mendez to question him, although it wasn’t a call for service. A confrontation ensued when the deputy tried to perform a pat-down search on the teenager, leading to resistance and a physical struggle. Additional deputies arrived at the scene and a taser was used in an attempt to subdue Aguilar Mendez.

During the struggle, Aguilar Mendez tried to grab the taser from the deputies to defend himself. Despite being handcuffed, he managed to reach into his shorts pockets and retrieve a folding pocket knife. Deputies eventually disarmed him, but tragically, Sgt. Kunovich collapsed from medical distress.

Release of Bodycam Footage

Recently released bodycam footage provides a detailed account of the incident. The video shows the young migrant, who speaks little English, struggling to understand the situation and why he was being arrested. This footage has raised questions about the handling of the arrest and the level of force used during the encounter.

Tragic Consequences

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office reported that the physical struggle lasted approximately 6 minutes, during which at least three deputies had to restrain Aguilar Mendez. Despite their efforts, the confrontation resulted in Sgt. Kunovich suffering a heart attack, ultimately leading to his death.

An autopsy confirmed that Sgt. Kunovich’s cause of death was indeed a heart attack. Consequently, the 18-year-old Guatemalan migrant is now facing a manslaughter charge for his involvement in the incident.

Legal Proceedings and Immigration Status

Aguilar Mendez has since obtained legal representation, revealing that he has no prior criminal convictions or arrests as a juvenile or an adult. His legal team will be seeking bond in his case. However, if bond is permitted and posted, the teen will be taken into federal custody due to a pending immigration hold.

The next hearing for Aguilar Mendez is scheduled for December 22.

Public Reaction and Discussion

The release of the bodycam footage and the subsequent details of the incident have sparked public discussion and debate. Many are questioning the appropriateness of the deputies’ actions and the level of force used during the arrest.

As the case progresses, it is expected that more information will come to light, shedding further light on the circumstances surrounding Sgt. Kunovich’s tragic death and the events leading up to it.

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