A Melbourne police officer has resigned after video footage surfaced showing him tackling a 15-year-old boy who was not the suspect they were searching for, causing the teen to suffer a broken arm. The incident occurred on Eden Park Drive, south of Wickham Park, around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The boy, identified as Judah Sparks, was walking home from a nearby store when officers approached him, mistaking him for a 16-year-old white male in black clothing they were investigating. Judah’s mother, Angela Sparks, said her son was trying to help police by calling for assistance when officers began confronting him. 'He was just walking home after doing a good deed,' she said. 'They told him to stop, and he realized they were talking to him.'
According to a police report, officers claimed Judah did not comply with commands to lay on the ground and put his hands behind his back. Body camera footage shows Judah on his knees with his hands in the air before an officer tackles him, with Judah shouting, 'I’m not who you’re looking for' and 'You’re breaking my arm.' The video, which has been shared widely on social media, shows the officer using force despite Judah’s repeated attempts to de-escalate the situation. Angela Sparks said her son was left with a broken arm and is now undergoing physical therapy. 'It’s heartbreaking to think about my 15-year-old son being hurt like this,' she said. 'He didn’t do anything wrong.'
The officer involved in the incident has since resigned, according to a statement from the Melbourne Police Department. The department is reviewing the body camera footage and conducting an internal investigation. 'We take these matters seriously and are committed to ensuring accountability,' a spokesperson said. Judah’s family has not commented publicly since the incident, but they are working with a lawyer to pursue a civil lawsuit. 'They knew the wrong kid,' Angela Sparks said. 'This shouldn’t have happened.'
The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with local leaders calling for increased police training and oversight. Councilman David Martin said the video 'exposes a serious issue with how officers are handling situations involving minors.' The case is being reviewed by the Brevard County State Attorney’s Office, which will determine if criminal charges are warranted. Meanwhile, Judah’s family is focusing on his recovery and seeking justice. 'We just want to make sure this never happens again,' Angela Sparks said.