ORLANDO, Fla. – An Osceola County deputy on trial for pursuing a man near a gas pump and causing a fire that seriously injured the suspect testified in his own defense Wednesday.

Deputy David Crawford told the jury he never considered using the Taser.

Crawford said a fellow deputy shocked the suspect, Jean Baretto-Baerga, twice near the gas pump. Concerned about the danger, Crawford claimed he grabbed the Taser, activated its safety, and tossed it aside. He said he had no idea how the device ignited or how the fire started.

“When you grabbed the Taser, were you planning on firing it?” defense attorney Michael Barber asked Crawford.

“I will never attack him,” Crawford replied.

However, the State Attorney’s Office pointed out inconsistencies in Crawford’s statement. Prosecutors argued that Crawford’s statements at the scene contradicted his defense. They cited a comment he made to other MPs about “killing the pump” and his warning to Baretto-Baerga: “You’re going to get hit again, bro.”

MORE STORIES:

When Assistant State’s Attorney Ryan Williams asked Crawford about the comment, Crawford said it was a de-escalation tactic aimed at ensuring compliance, not a signal of intent.

“Is it a coincidence that you shouted ‘You’re going to be shocked again’ and then the stun gun went off?” Williams pressed.

“Yes,” Crawford replied.

Crawford testified that after turning on the safety switch, he threw the Taser under the car to keep it away from Baretto-Baerga and the gas pump.

But Deputy Michael Koffinas, who retrieved the Taser, testified that it was just inches from where the struggle occurred, not far from the suspect or the gas pump.

During cross-examination, Williams asked Koffinas: “Would you agree that he was no more than six inches from where the struggle occurred?”

“Yes,” Koffinas agreed.

Video evidence shown by the defense showed Baretto-Baerga driving recklessly, using a wheelchair, speeding and cycling on sidewalks. The sheriff’s office initially believed he was armed, but deputies later determined he was not the suspect in the aggravated assault investigation.

“We have to treat this person as if he were armed and dangerous,” Crawford told the jury, explaining the precautions taken.

Closing arguments are expected to be held Friday, followed by jury deliberations.

REMOVE CONNECTION WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: