Nikolas Cruz. Credit: Broward's Sheriff's Office

Now, Cruz is facing new felony charges.

In addition to charges that could land him on death row for the Feb. 14 shooting that left 17 dead and 17 injured at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Cruz has now been charged with assault and battery on an officer, as well as using a self-defense weapon or device against a law enforcement officer.

The arrest report alleges Cruz raised his middle finger before attacking Sgt. Raymond Beltran.


Read the arrest report: 


“Cruz can be seen rushing at [officer] Beltran and striking Beltran with his left fist,” the affidavit said. Citing video surveillance footage, the report says Cruz toppled the guard and hit him in the head repeatedly while pinning him to the ground.

Before he was subdued, Cruz reportedly gained control of the officer's stun gun, referred to in the filing as a “conductive electronic weapon.” Once the officer secured his weapon, he landed a return blow against Cruz, according to the report.

After being struck, Cruz fled to seats in the day room area of the jail and was subsequently apprehended.

Video of Cruz's assault is excused from disclosure in accordance with Florida Statute 119.071(3), which lists exemptions from inspection or copying of public records.

Cruz has been charged with 17 counts of first-degree murder. His trial is being presided over by Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer.

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