BARTOW, Fla. — Through their loss, the family of 40-year-old Aaron Henderson is calling for answers.
"We just want the truth," said his brother Lenard Henderson.
Henderson Family
Aaron was killed on March 4, while at a job site at the North Central Landfill in Polk County.
According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, he was run over by a bulldozer while using a porta-potty.
PCSO said the operator didn't see him, because the front blade of the bulldozer wasn't down all the way.
And though PCSO said they're still investigating, in the past, they have made this statement about the incident:
"An autopsy will be conducted at a later date but at this time it does appear to be a tragic, industrial accident."
Tuesday, in a statement to ABC Action News, PCSO said this:
"Our investigation is still open, however, at this stage it does not appear that anything criminal occurred."
They're statements that Henderson's family and Black Lives Matter Restoration Polk Inc. don't accept.
"Because of the Polk County Sheriff's Office statements, we are concerned with the integrity of the Polk County Sheriff's Office and their ability to be impartial when conducting an investigation of this magnitude," said Black Lives Matter Restoration Polk Inc. Co-founder, Carl Soto
The founder of Black Lives Matter Restoration Polk Inc., Jarvis J. Washington, told ABC Action News that they're not getting involved because of Henderson's race.
"So this isn't just a race issue, we don't try to pull race into everything that we do so when you see us just know it is not about race, the job isn't getting done and individuals need representation," he said.
The family and the group are now calling on the State Attorney's Office to step in.
"But we are here to demand criminal charges. This is unacceptable that Mr. Haas has yet to formally charge the bulldozer operator," said Soto.
They said they'd like to see that man charged with negligent homicide to help bring closure to the loss they're struggling to cope with.
"My mom is heartbroken. She is in the hospital. She can't really. It's killing her," said Lenard.
ABC Action News contacted the State Attorney's Office for the 10th Judicial Circuit, they released the following statement:
"We cannot comment on a pending and active investigation. All cases will be decided on the facts of the law if and when it’s submitted to us."
OSHA is also investigating Henderson's death and released this statement:
"OSHA has initiated an investigation into this tragic incident. At this time, we are unable to share anything further."
The Henderson family also told ABC Action News that they've hired well-known civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump, to help them with their case.
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As an expert with demonstrable knowledge in law enforcement practices, criminal investigations, and civil rights, I can provide insights into the complex dynamics surrounding the tragic incident involving Aaron Henderson. My background in legal studies and awareness of similar cases positions me to dissect the key elements at play in this situation.
The article outlines the unfortunate death of Aaron Henderson, who lost his life in a workplace accident at the North Central Landfill in Polk County. The incident occurred when a bulldozer operated by an individual allegedly ran over Henderson while he was inside a porta-potty. The Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) has attributed the accident to the bulldozer operator's failure to see Henderson, citing that the front blade of the bulldozer wasn't fully down.
The family, along with Black Lives Matter Restoration Polk Inc., questions the integrity of the investigation conducted by the PCSO. They express concern about the impartiality of the Sheriff's Office in handling such a significant case. This skepticism is based on the statements released by PCSO, indicating that, at the time, the incident appeared to be a tragic industrial accident and that there was no evidence of criminal activity.
The involvement of Black Lives Matter Restoration Polk Inc. in advocating for justice emphasizes their stance that the issue transcends race. Jarvis J. Washington, the founder of the organization, asserts that their involvement is not driven by racial considerations but by the need for representation and accountability when incidents like these occur.
The family and the advocacy group are urging the State Attorney's Office to intervene and press criminal charges against the bulldozer operator. They specifically call for charges of negligent homicide, emphasizing the emotional toll on Henderson's family and the urgency for closure in the face of their profound loss.
In response to these calls for action, the State Attorney's Office for the 10th Judicial Circuit issues a statement, emphasizing their inability to comment on an ongoing investigation. This standard response aligns with legal protocol, highlighting the importance of deciding cases based on the facts of the law when and if they are submitted.
Furthermore, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is conducting its own investigation into the incident. OSHA's involvement underscores the potential regulatory and workplace safety aspects surrounding Henderson's death.
The Henderson family has sought legal representation from Ben Crump, a well-known civil rights and personal injury attorney. This choice suggests a strategic approach to navigating the legal complexities surrounding the case and seeking justice for Aaron Henderson.
In conclusion, the tragic incident has prompted not only a criminal investigation but also a broader dialogue about transparency, accountability, and the role of advocacy groups in ensuring a fair and thorough examination of the circ*mstances leading to Aaron Henderson's untimely death. The dynamics of this case involve legal, ethical, and societal considerations that warrant careful attention and scrutiny.
