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Closing arguments are scheduled Monday in the trial of a former Broward Sheriff’s Office deputy accused of failing to confront the shooter who murdered 14 students and three staff members at a Parkland high school five years ago.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
2K views47 pagesScot Peterson Arrest Warrant
Closing arguments are scheduled Monday in the trial of a former Broward Sheriff’s Office deputy accused of failing to confront the shooter who murdered 14 students and three staff members at a Parkland high school five years ago.
Uploaded by
Amanda RojasCopyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF or read online on Scribd
/ 47
*e** FILED: BROWARD COUNTY, FL Brenda D. Forman, CLERK 6/5/2019 12:50:42 PM.**#*
: 19-3a0AF10
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, STATE OF FLORIDA
[Tue Fs
Plaintiff WARRANT TO ARREST
STATE OF FLORIDA
Vs.
Scot Ralph Peterson
WM, DOB: 04/26/1963
Defendant
IN THE NAME OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, TO ALL AND SINGULAR THE SHERIFFS
AND CONSTABLES OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA:
WHEREAS, Inspector Keith B, Riddick of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Office of Executive Investigations Public Corruption Unit has this day made oath before me that
in Broward County, State of Florida, one Scot Ralph Peterson white male, born April, 26, 1963,
unlawfully then and there;
Count 1: Neglectof a.Child
Did, on or about February 14, 2018, willfully, or by culpable negligence, as a caregiver, unlawfully
and feloniously, neglect a child, (ENN and in doing so caused great bodily harm,
permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to said child, JIM contrary to FS
827.08, (1}()1., (1)(€)2., (2)(b), and 827.01.
Count 2: Neglect of a Child,
Did, on or about February 14, 2018, willfully, or by culpable negligence, as a caregiver, unlawfully
and feloniously, neglect @ child, NNN and in’doing so caused great bodily harm,
permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to said child, NNN contrary to F.S.
827.03, (1)(e)I., (1)(€)2., (2)(b), and 827.01
Count 3: Neglect of a Child
Did, on or about February 14, 2018, willfully, or by culpable negligence, as a caregiver, unlawfully
and feloniously, neglect a child, KN and in doing so caused great bodily harm,
Page 1 of 3 *e** FILED: BROWARD COUNTY, FL Brenda D. Forman, CLERK 6/5/2019 12:50:42 PM.**#*
+ WARRANT TO ARREST [G- bot Fe
State v. Scot Ralph Peterson
permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to said child, [NNN contrary io F.S.
827.03, (I}(@)1., (1)(@)2., (2)(b), and 827.01
Count 4: Neglect of:a.Child
Did, on or about February 14, 2018, willfully, or by culpable negligence, as a caregiver, unlawfully
cloniously, neglect a child, INN and in doing so caused great bodily harm, permanent
ity, or permanent disfigurement to said child, NE contrary to F.S. 827.03, (I)(e)1.,
(1)()2., (2)(b), and 827.01
Count’: Neglect of'a Child
Did, on or about February 14, 2018, willfully, or by culpable negligence, as a caregiver, unlawfully
and feloniously, neglect 2 child, INE and in doing so caused great bodily harm,
permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to said child, TE contrary to
F.S. 827.03, (1)(e)1., (I)(©)2., (2)(b), and 827.01
Count’6: Neglect of'a Child
Did, on or about February 14, 2018, willfully, or by culpable negligence, as a caregiver, unlawfully
and feloniously, neglect a child AM and in doing so caused great bodily harm, permanent
disability, or permanent disfigurement to said child, JNM contrary to F.S, 827.03, (1)(@)1.,
(1€€)2., (2)(b), and 827.01
Count’7: Neglect of a Child
Did, on or about February 14, 2018, willfully, or by culpable negligence, as a caregiver, unlawfully
and feloniously, neglect 2 child, TTTTE without causing great bodily harm,
permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to seid child, IE contrary to
FS. 827.03, (1)(€)1., (1)(€)2., (2)(@), and 827.01
‘Count'$: Culpable Negligence
Did, on orabout February 14, 2018, then and there commit an act or acts which exhibited a reckless
indifference to or grossly careless disregard for others, and did expose [NNN to personal
injury, contrary to F.S. 784.05(1)
Count 9: Culpable Negligence
Did, on or about February 14, 2018, then and there commit an act or acts which exhibited a reckless
indifference to or grossly careless disregard for others, and did expose INN to personal
injury, contrary to F.S. 784.05(1),
Count 10: Culpable Negligence
Did, on or about February 14, 2018, then and there commit an act or acts which exhibited a reckless
indifference to or grossly careless disregard for others, and did exp; A 10
personal injury, contrary to F.S. 784.05(1)..
Page 2 of 3 *e** FILED: BROWARD COUNTY, FL Brenda D. Forman, CLERK 6/5/2019 12:50:42 PM.**#*
WARRANT TO ARREST 19° BayfIFl 7)
State v. Scot Ralph Peterson
Count.id: Perjury When Not in an Official Proceeding
Did, during a swom statement to Broward Sheriff's Detective John Curcio, while SCOT
PETERSON was under oath, and in regard to a material matter not in an official proceeding, did
make a false statement, which SCOT PETERSON did not believe to be true.
The offense(s) set forth in the foregoing Warrant is/are contrary to the statute(s) in such case made
and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the State of Florida. Attached hereto and made
a part hereof by incorporation is the Affidavit executed by Inspector Keith B. Riddick, Affiant
herein,
THESE ARE, THEREFORE, to command you forthwith to arrest said Scot Ralph
Peterson; white male; DOB 04/26/1963, and bring him before me to be dealt with according to
law.
Given under my hand and seal this_3 day of Nona 5 2019.
PF THE SEVENTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
Page 3 of 3 *e** FILED: BROWARD COUNTY, FL Brenda D. Forman, CLERK 6/5/2019 12:50:42 PM.**#*
)9-3a6HFIO
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, STATE OF FLORIDA
STATE OF FLORIDA
Plaintiff ORDER SETTING BOND
Vs.
Scot Ralph Peterson
WM, DOB: 04/26/1963
Defendant
The court hereby sets bond in the above-captioned case as follows:
Count 1: Neglect of a Child
2" Degree Felony, F.S. 827.03, (1)(c)1., (1)(€)2., (2)(b), and 827.01 Bond: (9,000
Count 2: Negleet of a Child
2 Degree Felony, F.S. 827.03, (1)(e)L., (1)(€)2., (2)(b), and 827.01 ond: 19, ooo"
Count 3: Neglect of a Child °
2" Degree Felony, F.S. 827.03, (1)(e)1., (1)(€)2., (2)(b), and 827.01 Bond: 19,900
Count 4: Neglect of a Child A
2° Degree Felony, F.S. 827.03, (1)(€)I., (1)(e)2., (2)(b), and 827.01 Bond: 4 5,900.
Count 5: Neglect of a Child °
2” Degree Felony, F.S. 827.03, (1)(c)1., (1)(e)2., (2)(b), and 827.01 Bond: 415,000
Count 6: Neglect of a Child
P
2™ Degree Felony, F.S. 827.03, (1)(e)1., (1)(€)2., (2)(b), and 827.01 Bond: Ys, 000
Page 1 of 3 *e** FILED: BROWARD COUNTY, FL Brenda D. Forman, CLERK 6/5/2019 12:50:42 PM.**#*
* Scot R. Peterson's Bond Order
FDLE Case Number El-26-0079
Count 7:.Neglect of a Child
3" Degree Felony, F.S. 827.03, (1)(e)1., (1)(€)2., (2)(4), and 827.01
Count 8: Culpable Negligence
2" Degree Misdemeanor, F.S. 784.05(1)
Count 9: Culpable Negligence
2" Degree Misdemeanor, F.S. 784.05(1)
Count 10: Culpable Negligence
2" Degree Misdemeanor, F.S. 784.05(1)
Count 11: Perjury When Not in an Official Proceeding
1 Degree Misdemeanor, F.S. 837.012
€ & o
TOTAL BOND: {0},Gc0.
19-3000 10
Bond: : “1800.
Bond: a $08
§ °
Bond: __}e00
&
Bond: * 4.900
K
49 Ln nopin on THE Dereuganr stole Bz on Lee Ty
Premoar, RREAISE Ld TH BD BPSeigmiree:.
Le axortn Te. Bons SHinrt Bs COLLATADUIZEP UI TH
PABL ASE, Awdfon Trensé PIgdwor
PPR, 08
RO RLS
Page 2 of 3
BRP HU ING B va.
bgGax UReve on OKCESS OFT VOA.BOO © **** FILED: BROWARD COUNTY, FL Brenda D. Forman, CLERK 6/5/2019 12:50:42 PM.*##**
oe F-226AF0
SPECIAL BOND CONDITIONS,
‘The Defendant will not possess ay firearms.
The Defendant shall surrender his passport and it shall remain in the custody of the
Broward County Clerk and the Defendant shall not reapply for any passport.
Given under my hand and seal this“ day of Lowe 2019, at Fort Lauderdale,
at
W€OUIK JUDGE OF THE SEVENTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
Page 3 of 3 *e** FILED: BROWARD COUNTY, FL Brenda D. Forman, CLERK 6/5/2019 12:50:42 PM.**#*
"IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
STATE OF FLORIDA AFFIDAVIT FOR
Plaintiff, ARREST WARRANT
vs .
Scot Ralph Peterson
WM; DOB (04/26/1963)
Defendant.
BEFORE ME, Judge Nvwws Su 4 of the Circuit Court in and for Broward
County, personally came Inspector Keith B. Riddick, of the Florida Department of Law
Enforcement Office of Executive Investigations Public Corruption Unit, who after being duly
swom, deposes and says that on or about February 14, 2018, in the County and State aforesaid,
that:
I. Introduetion
There is probable cause to believe that Scot Ralph Peterson (aka Scot Peterson), did engage in:
1) Neglect of a Child, in violation of Florida State Statute(s) F.S. 827.03, (1)(e)1., (\(e)2.,
(2)(b), and 827.01,
2) Neglect of a Child, in violation of Florida State Statute(s) 827.03, (1)(e)1., (1)(€)2. (2)(4),
and 827.01, .
3) Culpable Negligence, in violation of Florida State Statute(s) 784.05(1),
4) Perjury When Not in an Official Proceeding, in violation of Florida State Statute(s)
837.012.
I. Background
On February 14, 2018, Nikolas Jacob Cruz entered the 1200 Building on the Marjory Stoneman
Douglas (MSD) High School campus located at 5901 Pine Island Road in Parkland, Florida, armed
with a Smith and Wesson M&P-15 rifle. Cruz subsequently shot thirty-four people, killing
seventeen and wounding another seventeen. Numerous law enforcement officers from multiple
local public safety agencies responded to the incident. Broward County Sheriff's Office (BSO)
‘was in charge of the investigation into the deaths and injuries caused by Cruz at MSD on February
14, 2018 (hereafter referred to as the MSD Incident).
Page 1 of 34 ‘*¢¢* FILED: BROWARD COUNTY, FL Brenda D. Forman, CLERK 6/5/2019 12:50:42 PM.*#**
"IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
On February 14, 2018, Nikolas Jacob Cruz, was arrested and charged with seventeen counts of
Premeditated Murder in violation of Florida State Statute 782.04 (1) (a) (1). The Broward County
Sheriff's Office (BSO) was assigned to investigate the deaths and injuries caused to the above
listed individuals by Nikolas Cruz. Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Office of
Executive Investigations (EI) Inspectors reviewed the BSO Crime Scene Unit’s documentation
found in BSO Case #17-1802-000525 pertaining to the physical evidence collected from the 1200
Building. Per the BSO Crime Scene Unit documents, Cruz discharged his Smith and Wesson
MAP-I5 rifle approximately 140 times during the entire MSD Incident. A review of the
aforementioned events determined that Cruz fired his weapon approximately 75 times between the
time Deputy Peterson arrived at the southeast end of the 1200 Building, moved to his position of
cover, and the time when he (Cruz) stopped shooting.
Additionally, there were five empty AR-15 style magazines found inside the building. Three of
the magazines were found on the first floor, two near classroom 1215 and one near classroom
1216. The other two were found on the third floor, one in the hallway and one in the teacher's
lounge. It should be noted that during Cruz’s sworn recorded interview he testified that he had
reloaded his firearm four times,
1. Summary,
On February 25, 2018, Florida Governor Rick Scott directed the Florida Department of Law
Enforcement (FDLE) Office of Executive Investigations (OEI) to conduct an investigation into the
law enforcement response to the incident.
Pursuant to the investigation, OEI reviewed all statements and evidence related to BSO Case #17-
1802-00525. Furthermore, OFI conducted multiple swom interviews, reviewed the BSO / CSPD
radio transmissions, the BSO body wor camera footage and MSD security video footage
associated with the response and actions of Deputy Peterson during the MSD Incident. As a result
of the investigation, the following facts were established:
a, Training
On February 14, 2018, Scot Peterson, a deputy for the Broward County Sheriff's Office, was
assigned as the School Resource Officer to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, of the
Broward County Public Schools District, located in Parkland, Florida. Deputy Peterson had been
a School Resource Officer since he attended and completed the FDLE Criminal Justice Standards
and Training Commission School Resource Officer training course on June 18, 1991. Deputy
Peterson had been assigned as the School Resource Officer at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High
School for approximately eight years. BSO training records indicated that Deputy Peterson last
attended a four hour block of Active Shooter training on April 19, 2016.
Page 2 of 34 *e** FILED: BROWARD COUNTY, FL Brenda D. Forman, CLERK 6/5/2019 12:50:42 PM.**#*
"IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA.
‘The OEl Inspectors review of the BSO Active Shooter lesson plans indicated that two of the course
objectives were “Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to move ina single
of team bounding over-watch and enter and clear a room” and “Upon completion of this course,
the participant will be better prepared to respond to an active shooter incident.” During the
training, deputies were instructed on what a single deputy response should entail by being advised
that “If you are on scene or in the area and hear gunshots, you should immediately access what
you have and prepare to respond. Remember, every time you hear a gunshot in an active shooter
incident; you have to believe that is another victim being killed.” Deputies were also taught that
“Time is critical in each of these incidents. This is like no other crime. The motive is to kill as
many people as possible in the shortest amount of time. Why? Because the bad guy knows ‘we’
are coming." Furthermore, the training described the priorities of life as “(1) Hostages/victims,
(2) Innocent Bystanders, (3) Police/Deputies, and (4) Suspects. The priorities are there to help
focus your action. If in doubt about going through the door after a suspect, think about the victims
and where they stand on the list.”
Pertaining to engaging the active shooter, the training detailed that "There are three desired
outcomes for an active shooter. (1) Force the suspect to surrender, (2) Force the suspect into a
barricade situation (SWAT will handle since they have the tools and tactics.), (3) Incapacitate the
suspect by shooting him (stopping the threat) or suspect shoots himself.” The training also advised
that "The majority of incidents were over in minutes, there is a need to get there fast. History shows
when a suspect is confronted by any armed individual (police, security, concealed carry person)
they either shoot it out with that person or kill themselves. Either way, the shooting of innocent
bystanders must stop. Now, the first officer or two officers on scene will immediately go to
confront the shooter."
A practical exercise of the BSO Active Shooter training, titled “Single deputy response,” described
that "The deputy will need to search for a little while after hearing the gunshot. Bad guy should be
at some distance; however, a blank gun will be firing intermittently to get deputy moving towards
the gunfire, passing dead students and others running by him. This should provide ‘real time” Intel
for the deputy."
Per the reviewed training documents, on June 15, 2016, Deputy Peterson received an email sent
by BSO Deputy Kevin Shults with the subject “Active Killer train the trainer” course. Deputy
Peterson received this email as he was an instructor in “Active Killer” for the Broward school
system. Attached to the email was the “Broward County Joint Law Enforcement Active Killer
Lesson Plan.” Number nine on the list of the course objectives for the lesson plan indicated
“Discuss law enforcement'’s initial response tactics during an Active Killer event.” Under bullet
“7” in the lesson plan was a list entitled “Law enforcement initial response tactics.” Item number
one in that list was “May respond as a team or solo” and item number four was “Will move directly
and quickly toward known threat.”
Page 3 of 34 ‘*¢* FILED: BROWARD COUNTY, FL Brenda D. Forman, CLERK 6/5/2019 12:50:42 PM.*##*
THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
In addition to the above described training received by Deputy Peterson during his law
enforcement career, his BSO training records indicated that he attended the following trainings
that pertained to school safety and how to respond to an active shooter incident:
= Current - Deputy Peterson’s testimony that he is an instructor for the Broward Public
Schools “Active Killer” course. (Confirmed by BSO email dated June 15, 2016)
* August 16, 2017 ~ BSO School Resource Shooting Boot Camp
* July 9, 2017 — Florida Association of School Resource Officer’s Training Conference
"October 10, 2016 - BSO “Building Tactics” in-service training
* April 19, 2016 ~ BSO “Active Shooter” in-service training
+ April 19, 2016 - BSO “Rescue Task Force” in-service training
+ July 7, 2015 ~ “Combat Life Saver” training
* July 20, 2014 ~ Florida Association of School Resource Officer’s Training Conference
+ August 16, 2012 - “Active Shooter” training
# July 15, 2012 - Florida Association of School Resource Officer’s Training Conference
* February 14, 2011 ~ National Conference on Bullying
«July 25, 2010 ~ Florida Association of School Resource Officer’s Training Conference
"June 21, 2010 ~ “Special Tactical Problems”
= April 30, 2010 — “Safe Schools and Prepared Communities”
= June 11, 2007 ~“Crisis Intervention Traisiing for the School Resource Deputy”
* April 4, 2007 — “Active Shooter” training
© September 15, 2006 ~ “Tactical Pistol”
* December 12, 2003 - “Tactical Pistol”
EI Inspectors reviewed information from the National Association of School Resource Officers
(NASRO), the United States Code (USC) and the Florida State Statutes (FSS) pertaining to the
role and duties of School Resource Officers.
Per the NASRO, the duties of the SRO are “providing safe leaming environments in our nation’s
schools, providing valuable resources to school staff members, fostering positive relationships
with youth, developing strategies to resolve problems affecting youth and protecting all students,
so that they can reach their fullest potentials.” According to USC Title 42, “The Public Health and
Welfare, 3796dd-8”: an SRO is as “a career law enforcement officer with sworn authority who is
deployed by an employing police department or agency in a community-oriented policing
assignment to work in collaboration with one or more schools.” Pursuant to FSS 1006.12(2)(a),
entitled “School resource officers and school safety officers”: “School safety officers shall be law
enforcement officers, as defined in s. 943.10(1), certified under the provisions of chapter 943 and
employed by either a law enforcement agency or by the district school board.” Furthermore, FSS
1006.12(2)(b) states that “a district school board may commission one or more school safety
Page 4 of 34 *e** FILED: BROWARD COUNTY, FL Brenda D. Forman, CLERK 6/5/2019 12:50:42 PM.**#*
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
officers for the protection and safety of school personnel, property, and students within the school
district.”
OEI Inspectors also reviewed the contract for the 2017-2018 school year between the Broward
County Sheriff's Office and the School Board of Broward County (SBBC) entitled “School
Resource Officer Agreement” with a contract number 17C-053. The contract details the agreement
between the Sheriff's Office and the School Board concerning the School Resource Officers
assigned to those schools located in Parkland, Florida, to include Marjory Stoneman Douglas High
School. Section 2.04 of the contract, labeled as “Applicable Policies and Standards” stated “The
SHERIFF shall ensure that the exercise of law enforcement powers by each assigned SRO shall
be in compliance with the authority granted by applicable law. Each law enforcement officer
assigned to the SRO Program shall perform his/her duties as an SRO in accordance with the School
Resource Officer Standard Operating Procedure Manual and with applicable Florida law and
SBBC policies.” Section 2.05 of the contract is entitled “Duties of SROs” and states, in part; “Each
SRO shall perform duties including, without limitation, the following: (listing under paragraph g)
the provision of assistance to SBBC in protecting and securing the school plant and its occupants.”
EI Inspectors obtained and reviewed information pertaining to the MSD safety protocols. Per the
information reviewed, it was determined that on February 14, 2018, the MSD security team was
composed of five (5) security personnel (Kelvin Greenleaf, Andrew Medina, David Taylor, Elliot
Bonner, and Chris Hixon) and a School Resource Officer (Scot Peterson). Per the safety guidelines
of the school, in the event of an active shooter on campus, a Code Red was to be activated in order
to alert the MSD students and faculty of danger and the need to seek a protective position in their
classrooms.
b. Timeline
Per evidence reviewed pertaining to the MSD Incident, on February 14, 2018, at approximately
2:21, Nikolas Jacob Cruz, armed with a Smith and Wesson M&P-15 semi-automatic rifle, entered
the 1200 Building of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School located in Parkland, Florida.
fier entering the building, Cruz began shooting students and teachers. Cruz made his way
through the three-story structure, during which time he fired approximately 140 rounds of .223
caliber ammunition before fleeing the building at approximately 2:28. Thirty-four persons were
shot during the incident, seventeen of which were killed and seventeen others wounded. The
following timeline of events for the MSD Incident is based on the examination of the MSD video
security system, BSO Radio Communications System, and BSO Body Wom Camera (BWC)
footage:
Page 5 of 34 **** FILED: BROWARD COUNTY, FL Brenda D. Forman, CLERK 6/5/2019 12:50:42 PM.**#*
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
2:21:18 Nikolas Jacob Cruz, armed with a Smith and Wesson M&P-15 semi-automatic rifle that
was concealed in a black carrying case, entered the 1200 Building of the Marjory
Stoneman Douglas High School located in Parkland, Florida.
2:21:38 After taking the weapon from the carrying case, Cruz exited the stairwell and began
firing west in the first-floor hal, i! 1 IT were
standing in front of room 1215 while IINIINNNNIM is sitting on the floor next to room
1215. All three students were fatally struck by gunfire. [INN was shot in both
legs as she was running for cover, before she was able to conceal herself in room 1210
and survived.
Cruz walked west down the hallway before stopping in front of room 1216, He then
fired several rounds from his rifle through the window of the closed door, and the door
itself, NNN was fatally struck while seated at his desk
EEE © 25 shot in the arm and abdomen, INNNINIIIML was shot in both arms,
and INNINNIINIEL was shot in the back, but all three survived.
Cruz then walked across the hall to room 1214, where he fired through the door window
ng TS
SS 2d EE were all injured by gunfire inside room 1214.
Cruz then walked back to room 1216 and again fired through the door window into the
classroom, TE oid NN were killed inside room 1216, J
ME was wounded in the leg and calf and ZS suffered a grazing
wound to his head, both survived.
2:22:39 The school fire alarm activated throughout the MSD campus. Deputy Peterson was
observed running north from the administration building.
2:22:49. MSD Coach INI enters the 1200 Building’s first floor hallway from the
west end of the structure. Cruz fired at TE striking him in the leg, =z
(WME crawled to a place of cover in the hallway.
Cruz walked to room 1213 and fired through the door’s window into the classroom.
2s f21ally shot. MN was shot in the left knee I
MERE 2s shot in the right arm, and NNN was shot in the right arm
and chest
Page 6 of 34 **¢* FILED: BROWARD COUNTY, FL Brenda D. Forman, CLERK 6/5/2019 12:50:42 PM.*#**
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
2:23:17
2:23:23
2:23:25
2:23:26
2:23:30
2:23:36
2:23:44
2:23:48
2:23:58
IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
Deputy Peterson, Campus Monitor J and School Security Specialist
MEE er< observed riding on a golf cart driven by mig on the school
surveillance system and arriving at the southeast corner of the 1200 Building.
Note: [EEE testified they stopped riear the pipe station located at the east end of the
1200 Building
Cruz continued walking west down the first-floor hallway. As Cruz walked past IL
WEE shot him, SM, again. MINN subsequently died from his wounds,
after having been removed from the building by first responders.
Cruz entered the west stairwell of the 1200 Building at the same time MSD Staff
Member III entered the stairwell from the exterior of the building. Cruz shot
and killed 37-year
Deputy Peterson broadcasted “1 7Juliet3. Uh, be advised we have possible, uh—could
be firecrackers. I think we've got shots fired. Possible shots fired. 1200 Building” over
his BSO issued portable radio.
Note: Examination of the school security video, as well as statements made by Ill
EEE 2216 Deputy Peterson, corroborated that the gunshots heard by
those three, when they stopped at the east end of the 1200 Building, were the second
round of gunshots fired by Cruz into KINI and/or the two gunshots fired by Cruz
that killed
MEE rove away alone from the east end of the 1200 Building on the golf cart.
Cruz entered the second-floor hallway of the 1200 Building from the west entrance.
IEEE waved students away as they ran south to the entrance of the breezeway
located between the 700 and 800 Buildings.
Deputy Peterson positioned himself behind the wall of the stairwell on the northeast
comer of the 700 Building (hereafter referred to as his position of cover).
Cruz fired an unknown number of rounds into classroom 1231 located on the north side
of the second floor of the 1200 Building.
Cruz fired approximately three rounds into classroom 1234 located on the south side of
the second floor of the 1200 Building. Some of those rounds struck the exterior window
Page 7 of 34 *e** FILED: BROWARD COUNTY, FL Brenda D. Forman, CLERK 6/5/2019 12:50:42 PM.**#*
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
2:24:14
2:24:16
2:24:17
2:24:24
2:24:30
2:24:32
IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
which was located approximately 60 to 70 feet just northwest of Deputy Peterson's
location
Note: At that time, Deputy Peterson remained in his position of cover.
Deputy Peterson broadcasted: “17 Juliet 3. We're talking about the 1200 Building it’s
going to be the building off of Holmberg Road.”
Deputy Michael Kratz broadcasted: “Any description? I'm coming up on Westglades
Middle.”
Cruz entered the east stairwell to travel to the third floor.
Deputy Peterson broadcasted “We don't have any description yet, we just hear shots,
appears to be shots fired” (in response to Deputy Kratz’ request for a description of the
suspect).
Cruz entered the east end of the third-floor hallway.
Cruz began shooting in a westerly direction in the third-floor hallway. IM a
MSD Teacher who was 35 years of age on the date of the incident and whose date of
birth was October 22, 1982, was standing by his classroom door on the north side of the
hallway with his back to the suspect. Students were attempting to flee into classrooms
when Cruz shot and killed [MJ and injured student [AMIN who was IF
years of age on the date. of the incident and whose date of birth is July 24, 2003.
received shrapnel injuries to the right thigh, but was able to flee the
building. MSD Teacher III who was 50 years of age on the date of the
incident and whose date of birth was INNIS was also struck in the arm by a
fragmented projectile before taking shelter in her classroom.
Cruz then shot at students fleeing west down the hallway and into classrooms.
MEE who was Mllyears of age on the date of the incident and whose date of birth was
RS ES bo was MM years of age on the date of the incident and
whose date of birth WS TS :1 A wio was [years of
age on the date of the incident and whose date of birth was NNN were killed
by the gunfire, NN who was fl years of age on the date of the incident and
whose date of birth JN suffered injuries from being shot in both legs
and received a gunshot wound to his right chest, survived.
Note: At that time, Deputy Peterson remained in his position of cover,
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
2:24:35
2:24:54
2:24:59
2:25:08
2:25:12
2:25:18
2:25:21
2:25:26
2:25:37
IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
Deputy Peterson broadcasted: “I’m over on the south side over by the 700 Building.”
MSD Campus Monitor IIIININNN drove his golf cart toward the 1200 Building. As
he reached the east end of the 1300 Building, he was able to see MINN body laying
outside of the west entrance of the 1200 Building. EINE then called “Code Red”
over the school radio. (MSD Security Specialist NNN stated that he
repeated the Code Red call “at least twice” on the school radio)
Cruz began firing in a westerly direction again. [INN who was fl years of age
on the date of the incident and whose date of birth was NNN suffered injuri
from being shot in the right ankle, but was able to flee the building
who was lll years of age on the date of the incident and whose date of birth was
BB. 2n¢ I wv Was) years of age on the date of the incident and whose
date of birth was KINI were struck by the gunfire and killed
Note: At that time, Deputy Peterson remained in his position of cover.
Deputy Kratz broadcasted “Tango 2, I hear shots fired by the football field, shots fired
by the football field.” BSO Dispatch replied “Shots fired by the football field, heard.”
As Cruz walked toward the west end of the hallway, passing JINN who lay
wounded in the hall; he shot i! ond IIE cain.
‘Note: At that time, Deputy Peterson remained in his position of cover.
Deputy Peterson broadcasted: “17 Juliet 3. We're looking at the 1200 Building. It’s
gonna be the 300 Building. It’s gonna be, uh, right off of Holmberg Road by the senior
Jot” (in response to the transmission by Deputy Kratz).
[EEE was shot again, as Cruz continued west down the third-floor hallway.
Note: At that time, Deputy Peterson remained in his position of cover.
Cruz fired towards the west end of the third-floor hallway. Some of the rounds struck
the window at the end of the hallway.
Cruz entered the teacher’ s lounge located in the northwest comer of the third floor where
he began to shoot at the windows, but the bullets failed to pierce the glass.
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
2:25:42
2:25:56
2:26:40
2:27:10
2:27:30
2:27:32
2:27:35
2:27:54
2:28:00
3:11:20
IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
BSO Communications broadcasted “Attention all units now working signal 33 (shooting)
g0 to bravo channel for regular traffic.”
Deputy Kratz broadcasted: “Sounds like there’s some students say they thought it was
firecrackers, but we're not sure, by the football field.”
Deputy Peterson broadcasted “Uh, 26 (received). Yeah, We also heard it over by inside
the 1200 Building” (in response to the transmission by Deputy Kratz).
Deputy Peterson broadcasted “We're going to Bravo (in response to the BSO
transmission at 2:25:42) I hear shots fired. Shots fired.” (Multiple gunshots can be heard
in the background).
Note: Cruz was in the 3 floor teacher’s lounge at this time, attempting to shoot through
the windows,
Note: At that time, Deputy Peterson remained in his position of cover.
Deputy Josh Stambaugh’s BWC recorded what was believed to be the last shots fired
by Cruz. Deputy Stambaugh was standing on Holmberg Road when the sounds of the
gunshots were captured,
Deputy Peterson broadcasted “Juliet 3. Make sure I have a unit over in the front of the
school, make sure nobody comes inside the school.”
Cruz exited the teacher’s lounge
Cruz entered the west stairwell
Cruz exited the 1200 Building via the west entrance, between the 1200 and 1300
Buildings, and fled the school.
Deputy Peterson broadcasted “Broward, do not approach the 12 or 1300 Buildings. Stay
at Jeast 500 feet away at this point.”
Deputy Peterson left his position of cover and concealment and crossed over to the east
end of the 1200 Building.
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
c. Interviews
On February 16, 2018, Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) Deputy Scot Peterson provided a swom
statement to BSO detectives. OEI obtained and reviewed the swom statement provided by Deputy
Peterson on February 16, 2018, to BSO Detectives John Curcio and Jeffrey Curtis. The statement
pertained to BSO’s investigation into Cruz’s arrest for 17 counts ’of capital murder (BSO Case
#17-1802-000525). Before providing his statement, Deputy Peterson acknowledged that he
understood the meaning of perjury and was subsequently placed under oath by BSO Detective
Curtis. During the interview Deputy Peterson was asked various questions pertaining to the MSD
Incident, to include, his knowledge of the incident, his actions and reactions to the incident, what
he heard and saw while responding to the location of the incident (MSD Building 1200), and what
he heard and saw once he arrived at the 1200 Building.
Deputy Peterson advised that “it was near the end of the day” when MSD Campus Monitor I
HEE communicated via their school radio system “I think I hear a firecracker in the 1200
Building”. Deputy Peterson had been issued’a school radio and was able to hear Hs
comment. When asked again by BSO Detectives, Deputy Peterson repeated that [=
relayed “1200 Building”.
Deputy Peterson then advised that he and MSD Security Specialist INN exited their
respective offices simultaneously. Their actions took them out into the hallway/breezeway by the
MSD Administration Building (the 100 Building). Deputy Peterson told his interviewers that
normally he and ME would commandeer a golf cart left parked outside of the
administration building and use it to traverse the campus, but at that time “We both look, there's
no golf cart around us”. Deputy Peterson stated that without the golf cart “We....we both just start
running from about my... right over right by office door, we just start running northbound down
this corridor right here” (Deputy Peterson was supplied with and was using a map of the MSD
campus to show his actions and various locations pertinent to his statement). Deputy Peterson also
advised that the school’s fire alarm began sounding shortly after they exited their offices, but he
did not hear anything else. Deputy Peterson maintained that he and MEIN then ran the
entire way to the east end of the 1200 Building saying “Nothing. Just the fire alarm now goes off,
me and SE continue to run we're running, we're running as I pass the 700 Building and
I... [know there’s doors on the east side to the 1200 Building. As I get probably about maybe
10... 10... not even 10 feet from this... this building I hear gunfire.”
Deputy Peterson was asked “Okay. Could you tell what floor it was coming from?” to which he
replied “I... I... I thought it was outside. It was so loud... And so close I ... 1 thought it was
probably outside. I didn’t even think it was even inside the building cause it was so clear and loud
at that point I knew it was close to this building but I wasn’t even sure if it was in the building,
was it outside the building but I knew it was close.” Deputy Peterson commented that he was
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
“only a few feet away” from the 1200 Building when he heard the gunfire, but did not see anything
coming from the building’s windows, did not see anyone standing there, or see any muzzle flashes,
Deputy Peterson then testified as to the amount of shots he heard at that time by saying “It wasn’t
many, two, three.”
Deputy Peterson advised that he then relayed the information to BSO dispatch by stating “I stop
immediately, right on my BSO radio, shots fired, shots fired”; and “I’m yelling shots fired, I'm
giving description, telling what building it is. Three stories, best of my recollection three story
building, I'm telling them it’s Holmberg Road. I... I advise you know shut the intersection down
and Holmberg and Pine Island.” Deputy Peterson further informed the detectives that he “Um...
at the same time I'm telling MINI get out, get away, he... he’s not armed... he’s an
unarmed person so 1 wanted him away from there so I started to tell him get out at the same time
I then hit I’m... I'm on school radio scream... yelling lockdown, lockdown code red, code red
to... 50 you know so the school was aware to put the school-on lockdown that we possibly have
a.... an active shooter.”
Deputy Peterson said that he then realized that he was “out in the open” so he retreated to a position
near the 700 and 800 Buildings and described how he took a position so that he could “get a good
two dimensional of... of that whole building at that point.” Deputy Peterson also advised he was
keeping surveillance on the door of the 1200 Building and that he didn’t hear anymore gunfire,
saying “L... Idon’t... no shots nothing anymore. It’s quiet” (referring to not hearing any additional
gunshots after the two or three he had initially heard). Deputy Peterson described his concern
about the gunfire by telling the detectives “And my concern was because I didn’t know if the shots
were coming out of the building, or were they coming somewhere out on this west side somewhere
cause it sounded like it might’ve been even outside.” He described his actions at that time as “I’m
keep... I'm keeping cover on the east side of the building to keep them cover with my firearm
directed towards the doors, possible with an anticipation if maybe the... the if the shooter or
whoever it was which someone maybe was going to come out of this door.”
According to Deputy Peterson’s statement it was then that Tim Burton, an Officer with the Coral
Springs Police Department (CSPD), arrived on the scene and took up a position of cover behind a
tree in the parking lot. Deputy Peterson stated he told Officer Burton “And he runs up by the tree
and I'm just telling him you know I heard... I heard a couple shots, haven't heard anything since”
commenting further “he’s just taking cover by you know behind the tree. I’m taking cover here,
And units are now starting... you know no more gunshots and units are starting to come in.”
Deputy Peterson was asked what he saw and did as the other law enforcement personnel arrived
at the school; to which he stated “Well as the units starting coming in, the first units are coming in
saying hey there’s someone shot over by the football field. You know I know where the football
field is, it’s quite a distance from this building. So when I started hearing they talked about
ah...ah... victims over by the football field. In my mind I was kind of... is he maybe running
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“INTHE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
towards that... maybe he’s not even in this building. He might be somewhere way out over here.
I mean in my mind I didn’t obviously didn’t know you know where this shooter was and then I
started wondering if he had fled west bound at that point because they were talking about people
injured near this football field which is quite a distance from the building,”
Deputy Peterson was asked about the school’s code red procedures: “Anything about barri—
barricaded doors with furniture or anything like that or—I mean just—we're talking about not
what each individual may choose to do but is there like a---a school set protocol?” Deputy Peterson
advised the detectives, “Well the um...the school system has an active killer training going where
I’'m—I'm an instructor--we-—-we're almost finished with the elementary schools and what you're
talking about is we're teaching all the teachers how to barricade the rooms on a code red. It hasn’t
reached the high school level so they haven’t been trained through our presentation but I know
Stoneman Douglas as a matter of fact recently in the last couple of months they actually I think
had like an—kind of like a teacher work day where they were um...someone from the school
district, I think Butler, Detective Butler I think he actually came in and talked about code red and
things to do so I think they kind of did their own kind of little training not that long ago regarding
what to do in a code red.”
OEI Inspectors conducted a swom recorded interview of MINNIE pertaining to this
investigation, MINN testified that, after his initial response to the area of the east end of the
1200 Building, he drove his issued golf cart down the breezeway between the 700 and 800
Buildings toward the administrative building where Deputy Peterson’s office was located. As he
approached the administrative building, he met Deputy Peterson, who was “kinda like approaching
my way”. Deputy Peterson and School Security Specialist NINN got on the golf cart
With ININNINNINNINL and they began driving back to the 1200 Building. MININNNNNNM relayed that as
they were driving back to the 1200 Building, he “just explained to Peterson that, uh, the kid was
in ~ the kid ran in the building, what he was wearing - and just what he looked like. And that
‘was basically what we -- we didn't really talk too much.” INIINNNINNNML said that as he, Peterson,
and [BEE approached the east entrance of the 1200 Building, and were in close proximity to
“a water pump right out in front of the 1200 Building” he heard more gunshots. He advised “I
heard ~ that's when I heard the gunfire -- pop, pop, pop, pop. Legitly [sic] coming out of the ~
the building. It was shaking our chest is how loud it was. We were that close. It was shaking our
chest to how loud it was.”
(QUMBNEN said that at that time Deputy Peterson told him "Get out of here" while he, Deputy
Peterson, got on his law enforcement radio and said "Active shooter, active shooter." Vi
explained that as they heard the gunshots, Deputy Peterson and III exited the golf cart,
and he drove away. He did not look back and, therefore, did not see what Deputy Peterson and
MEE cid after they got off of the golf cart
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
MEENN in dicated that he drove his golf cart back to the front of the school and continued to
hear the sound of gunfire until he reached the area of the bike racks located east of the 800
Building,
EI Inspectors conducted a sworn recorded interview of MSD Security Specialist [IIH
WEEN pertaining to this investigation, MINN advised that he first leamed of the
incident when Campus Monitor INI transmitted something about “a weird sound was coming
out of 1200 Building... Some crazy sound coming out of there.” He and Deputy Peterson began
heading to the 1200 Building when IIE picked them up ona golf cart, TA saw
Deputy Peterson talking on his law enforcement radio, but could not hear what he was saying
because Deputy Peterson was sitting on the front seat of the golf cart and he was sitting in the back
bed of it, MEIN did not recall if Deputy Peterson was also talking on the radio issued him
by the schoo! IIIA testified that “once we got down and approached the building, 1
started hearing the gunshots.” He advised that he heard those gunshots soniewhere between when
they got on the golf cart with INN and when they got off of the golf cart, which was
immediately adjacent to the east entrance of the 1200 Building. MIININNENNE commented that
when he and Deputy Peterson got off of the golf cart Deputy Peterson told him "Stand back. You
don't have a weapon," INININNINNINIEL told the interviewers that he heard more gunshots after
Deputy Peterson told him to move back.
ME ¢ 22 stecring students to safety when he heard more gunshots. MIN said,
about the gunshots, “It appeared that they, it was coming right in front” and acknowledged it
appeared to him the gunshots were coming from inside the 1200 Building. ENN advised
that he saw Deputy Peterson the entire time he, JINN was in the area of the 1200 Building,
and Deputy Peterson never left the area of the 700/800 Buildings during that time.
EI Inspectors conducted a sworn recorded interview of MSD Campus Monitor
pertaining to this investigation, [NNN advised that he first became aware of the incident
when he heard, over the school radio system, "Firecrackers. Sounds like firecrackers going off in
the 1200 Building". [NINN then ran to the north end of the breezeway that ran between the
700 and 800 Buildings. As he:ran, Campus Monitor flggiiggy Deputy Peterson and Security
Specialist (HEE passed him on NN golf cart.
MEE testified that as he was approaching the east end of the 1200 Building, he heard a
gunshot. INN stated “Right after I stopped, he started really unloading. Um, there were a
lot of gunshots.” [NNN commented that the school’s fire alarm then sounded. Mi
remarked “And then -- and then he -- when I got here and the gunshots were going off and 1 was
trying to get the kids outta here, he (Peterson) was screaming at me to get outta there, you know.
Mit. ect, ME cet outta there. Get outta there. Get outta there." [INN felt that Deputy
Peterson told him to get back because Deputy Peterson felt that he, NN was in danger. Mr.
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IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
(MMMMs2id that Deputy Peterson had his gun drawn while he appeared to be communicating on
both his school radio and his sheriff's office radio.
Mr. INN attested that the gunshots were loud and echoing off of the buildings, but also said
that he believed they were being fired “in the 1200 Building.”
EI Inspectors conducted a sworn recorded interview of MSD student [NNN pertaining
to this investigation. [NNN advised that he was in class on the third floor of the 1200
Building at the time of the incident. MIININNNNNM testified that he knew what gunshots sounded
like and that he had heard three gunshots “a minute or two” before the fire alarm sounded but that,
at first, no one in his classroom was reacting to the sounds of the gunfire. NNN stated that
after the fire alarm sounded, and while he was evacuating the building, he looked out a window
located on the third floor of the 1200 Building across the hall from the entrance to the east stairwell
and saw Deputy Peterson 2nd I [III then ran to the staircase located at the
west end of the third floor and began to descend the stairs when he heard approximately three more
gunshots being fired somewhere below him in the building. [NINN stated “I heard the shots
very clearly as if, like, they were really close, But I didn’t see the shooter.” [NNN had
almost reached the second-floor landing when he heard those shots, so he retreated back to the
third floor.
MRR 2
