DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The Daytona Beach Police Department has fired Officer Joel Llinas after an internal investigation concluded that his conduct during a March arrest violated multiple department policies, including policies governing conduct and the use of force.
The termination follows months of scrutiny after cellphone video circulated showing Llinas repeatedly striking David Anderson while Anderson was handcuffed. The encounter began shortly after midnight on March 12 as an enforcement action over an open container, according to police accounts and body-camera footage released after the incident.
Department says judgment and emotional control fell below standards
In its written findings, the department said the minor enforcement encounter escalated after Llinas took Anderson to the ground and met resistance while trying to secure him. Investigators determined that Llinas violated more than one policy connected to his conduct and use of force.
The department also said Llinas had fewer than three years of full-time service and that the March encounter was his second use-of-force incident within a relatively short period. It noted that he had received de-escalation training covering communication, decision-making and appropriate tactical options.
After reviewing the full circumstances, the department concluded that Llinas' judgment and emotional control did not meet the standards expected of a Daytona Beach police officer. His employment was terminated.
What happened during the arrest
Body-camera footage showed Llinas directing Anderson to dispose of a bottle of alcohol. Anderson told the officer to do it, and after Llinas emptied the bottle, Anderson tossed the cork toward him. The encounter became physical, and Anderson was taken to the ground and handcuffed.
Video from the arrest later showed Llinas striking Anderson while Anderson remained restrained. Llinas reported that Anderson resisted and bit him during the arrest. Prosecutors later declined to pursue the charges filed against Anderson.
Records released during the investigation also showed that Llinas had received a written reprimand and a one-day suspension in 2025 following an earlier citizen complaint involving force.
Police union plans to challenge termination
The Coastal Florida Police Benevolent Association disputed the decision. According to WFTV, the union argued that Anderson's resistance caused the encounter to escalate, accused city officials of responding to political pressure and said it would challenge the firing through arbitration while seeking Llinas' reinstatement.
The department's decision is an employment action. Any arbitration or other challenge could affect whether the termination remains in place.
Sources: WFTV Channel 9; Daytona Beach Police Department; publicly released video and personnel information.
Have records or video?
If you have public records, photographs or firsthand information about police conduct in Volusia County, contact JM Audits.