Today (July 1), State Attorney Phil Archer released a letter announcing his finding that the Use of
Force by Brevard County Corrections Deputies involving Gregory EDWARDS, was reasonable and
justifiable under Chapter 776, Florida Statutes.

EDWARDS was arrested on December 9, 2018 by the West Melbourne Police Department for Battery,
Violation of Probation, and Resisting Arrest with Violence in connection to a complaint where
Edwards had battered a worker at a children’s charity event. Edwards began acting erratic and
became combative with the West Melbourne officers during the arrest and booking process.

EDWARDS was transported to the Brevard County Jail Complex and during the booking process again
became violent, attacking and seriously injuring a corrections deputy. EDWADS physically resisted
all attempts to stop him. After deputies gained control of EDWARDS, he suffered a medical event and
was transported to the hospital. EDWARDS died there on December 10, 2018, with the Brevard Medical
Examiner ruling the manner of death as Accidental and the cause Excited Delirium and Complications.

In his letter State Attorney Archer pointed out that EDWARDS violent and unpredictable behavior
with West Melbourne officers, and again with Brevard deputies "completely justified the escalation
of use of force techniques to gain control." Archer also said " I further commend the deputies and
the staff at the jail in the actions they took in attending to Mr. Edwards after it became apparent
he was in distress."

Requests for public records in this case can be directed by email to tabrown@sa18.org; or by phone
at the number listed below.

Todd Brown
Public Information &
Communications
(321) 617-7310

Office of the State Attorney
18th Judicial Circuit
2725 Judge Fran Jamieson
Way Building D
Viera, Fl. 32940