Off-duty Florida deputy tosses stun grenade at Christmas party to 'announce his arrival'

For reasons known only to himself, Manatee County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sgt. John Finley took a flash-bang grenade from his department’s SWAT armory, pulled the pin and then tossed it outside of a coworker’s home during a Dec. 12 Christmas party to “announce his arrival,” according to local media reports.

“Finley, who joined the sheriff’s office in July 2002, has ignored several attempts by Professional Standards investigators to speak to him. The sheriff’s office concluded the criminal portion of its internal affairs investigation and the case was sent to the State Attorney’s Office with recommended charges to review and consider filing,” according to the Bradenton Herald.

In a statement, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said Finley violated the department’s “core values,” and that his actions challenged their “ethical standards.”

Yep, gotta agree with that.

I assume Finley is now facing theft and disorderly conduct charges. If prosecutors want to be more harsh, they could charge him possession of a destructive device.

Since he lacks a criminal record, Finley likely won’t see the inside of the county jail.

Either way, he certainly went out with a bang.

As always, thanks for your time.