CHICAGO — A Chicago police officer is facing public embarrassment and departmental discipline after being arrested in Polk County, Florida, for allegedly shoving a resort security guard — and drawing a mocking takedown from the county’s outspoken sheriff on social media.
The incident, which took place Friday at the Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, led to the arrest of CPD Officer Dwayne Ocasio, who was off duty and vacationing with friends. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd didn’t hold back in a video released Tuesday, where he called out Ocasio’s actions and sarcastically introduced him to the consequences of local law enforcement.
“Now He Knows Who the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Is”
According to Judd, Ocasio and his friends were blocking a roadway with a golf cart at the resort. When a security guard politely asked them to move, Ocasio allegedly became aggressive — cursing, using a racial slur, and ultimately shoving the guard.
“He cussed the security guard. Used a racial slur. That’s right. And then pushed the security guard,” Judd said in the video. “Now he knows who the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is.”
Judd also claimed Ocasio falsely told the guard he was a Miami police officer, which turned out to be untrue. “Bzzzt! Not a Miami police officer. Yes, a Chicago police officer assigned to the 15th District,” Judd said with a buzzer sound.
Arrest Followed Heated Standoff
Deputies later went to Ocasio’s resort room to question him. A woman initially opened the door, said he was inside, and then shut it. After roughly 10 minutes of knocking, deputies say someone inside yelled, “Who the [expletive] is the Polk County Sheriff’s Office?”
Eventually, Ocasio opened the door and was arrested without further incident after the security guard confirmed his identity. He has since been charged with battery and released on bond.
CPD Response: Officer Stripped of Police Powers
Back in Chicago, the department confirmed Tuesday that Officer Ocasio has been relieved of his police powers and reassigned to the Alternate Response Section — a unit often used for officers facing disciplinary action or temporary non-enforcement duty.
This unit typically handles calls by phone and does not perform street patrols. A CPD spokesperson did not elaborate further but confirmed the department is aware of the charges.
Pattern of Out-of-State Incidents Reflects on Local Policing
The case has gained widespread attention — not only because of Sheriff Judd’s viral commentary, but also because it highlights growing scrutiny on off-duty officer conduct, especially outside jurisdiction.
It comes as the CPD continues to grapple with disciplinary reforms, public image concerns, and nationwide calls for increased transparency in officer behavior, both on and off duty.
Do You Think Out-of-State Arrests Should Impact Local Officer Duties?
Do off-duty incidents in other states reflect on Chicago police? Should vacation arrests lead to job consequences back home? Let us know your views at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — your perspective helps shape accountability.
