Following an internal investigation, Pinellas County Deputy Wayne Wagner has been fired for using excessive force on Paige Taylor during a traffic stop and falsifying a police report. Wagner’s termination was effective November 18, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said in a press conference.
In the parking lot of the Mobil gas station in St. Petersburg on March 25, Wagner stopped a vehicle that had the wrong license plate attached. Gage Moore, 25, the driver, switched seats with Taylor, 26, because he was driving on a suspended license.
Moore was arrested for being a habitual offender and placed in the back of Wagner’s cruiser. He then told Taylor the vehicle needed to be impounded and “there was dialogue on how she was going to get home,” according toGualtieri. Taylor asked if the tow truck driver could take her home, and Wagner said no.
