OCSD Deputy Gets Probation For Pepper Spray On Pizza

People have all sorts of odd affinities when it comes to pizza toppings, but a chemical that sets your mouth, stomach and intestines on fire generally isn't one of them.

Last summer, Orange County Sheriff's Department deputy Juan Tavera chose to douse a teenager's pizza with pepper spray during a routine traffic stop.  The pie was in the back seat of the car when the event took place, the victim said, and it wasn't until he got home, dug in and his mouth started burning that he realized something was wrong.

The teen and his friends started to wonder about what extra toppings might have been added to their dinner- and they became suspicious of what else may have happened during their brush with the law.  They eventually called the OCSD, talked to a few higher-ups, and a criminal investigation was opened.

Tavera was eventually implicated and could have been sentenced to up to a year behind bars.  Court records, however, show he opted to cut a plea deal that included a year of probation and 100 hours of community service.  He also lost his job, according to an OCSD spokesperson, and was dismissed from the department in December.

Some feel the sentence was too lenient, but others reportedly say it's the harshest ever delivered to an OC Sheriff's deputy.

Other Instances Of Hot-Headed Police Behavior

License, Registration, Panties? In July 2012 a 15 year-old Florida girl said she and a platonic 19-year old male friend were sitting in the back of his car when they were approached by a police officer.  The policeman asked them to roll down the window and asked if they were having sex.

When the girl responded no, he asked her to step out of the vehicle and disrobe so he could check her underwear.   The officer was suspended without pay.  Prosecutors said he was facing up to 15 years in prison at the time they filed their case.

Conspiracy to Commit DUI: In September of last year, a Danville Police officer was arrested for allegedly setting up men for DUI arrests so their soon-to-be ex-wives could use that information against them in family court.

Court records show Stephen Tanabe was convicted on conspiracy, wire fraud and extortion and was sentenced to serve a multi-year prison sentence.

Firing on a Mini-van - for speeding:  Oriana Ferrell's was pulled over after a policeman clocked her going more than 16 miles an hour over the posted speed limit.

The driver argued with the officer about the validity of the ticket and sped off as he walked away.   The officer hopped in his car and chased her down.

He ordered her to exit her vehicle, but she refused.  His attempts to pull her out of it were unsuccessful and he called for back up.  When the second cop car arrived, they opened fire.   Five children were inside the vehicle when those shots were fired.

Ferrell sped off again and engaged the policemen on a high-speed chase.  She was eventually captured and charged with a handful of felonies. The actions of the officers are under investigation.