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Two Vero Beach Beach Police officers resign

Posted at 2:00 PM, Nov 14, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-14 18:35:57-05

VERO BEACH, Fla. - Two off-duty Vero Beach police officers, who had been placed on administrative leave after being arrested last month, have resigned.

The two officers have been identified as Nicholas Knutson, 27, and 30-year-old Joshua Harris.

While on patrol at "Filthy's Bar" in October police say they found Harris intoxicated and walking home.

Police said they were concerned about Harris' well-being, so they followed him to make sure he didn't wander into traffic because he refused a ride.

Harris became angry in the 1600 block of 16th Street near the Vero Beach Citrus Bowl because he was being followed, according to a police report.

The report said he then started cursing at Officer Britton Fuller at the scene.

Police said they began to worry about Fuller's safety, who said Harris had punched her patrol car and right side mirror, causing it to fall off.     

Officers said Harris admitted to punching the mirror and was taken into custody and charged with criminal mischief and disorderly intoxication.

During their investigation a truck driven by Officer Knutson pulled up to the scene and parked near the officers. 

One of the officers said he could smell alcohol on Knutson's breath and noticed his eyes were bloodshot. 

After conducting an investigation, officers determined there was probable cause to arrest him on DUI charges.

Police say based on the department’s investigation both men violated Department General Orders.

They were offered an opportunity to resign or face termination.

The department said Knutson resigned effective November 9th and Harris turned in his resignation on November 10th.

In connection with this incident Officer Britton Fuller received a two-day suspension without pay for violating Department General Orders.

Files from the internal affairs investigation have been forwarded to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for a final review, according to the department.