Protestors outside Polk Co. courthouse call for charges against Antwan Glover to be dropped

BARTOW, Fla. (WFLA) – “Drop the charges on Antwan now,” chanted a group of protestors outside the Polk County courthouse Tuesday.

Antwan Glover, who was seen on video being tased and repeatedly punched by Lakeland police officers in December 2022, was at the courthouse for a hearing on charges related to the incident.

He retained a new lawyer on Tuesday but his supporters have the same goal: for his charges to be dismissed.

“This just really brought a lot of hurt to our family, it really did,” said Pamela Glover, Glover’s mother.

Lakeland police said officers stopped him Dec. 18, 2022 because he was not wearing a seatbelt. When they smelled marijuana, they ordered him to get out of the car.

While Glover tried to explain that he has a medical marijuana license, Glover ended up on the ground, where he was repeatedly punched by the officers, including in the head.

A family member recorded cell phone video of the incident.

State attorney Brian Haas declined to charge the four officers involved, Det. Dillon Cornn, Officer Jason McCain, Sgt. Mark Eby and Officer Anton Jefferson, citing an FDLE investigation report.

Haas said Glover posed an “ongoing and escalating threat” to the four officers.

Investigators found Glover put an officer in a headlock, which Glover denies.

A Lakeland Police internal investigation also exonerated the officers, who are back to regular duty.

“We need some rehabilitating in the criminal justice system,” said Pastor Clayton Cowart, who is with Poor & Minority Justice Association and an advocate for Glover.

Supporters of Glover’s have long called for the officers to be fired and charged.

They also want charges against Glover dropped, which are resisting an officer with violence and three counts of battery on an officer.

An initial charge of possession of cannabis was dropped because of Glover’s medical marijuana license.

At a pre-trial conference on Tuesday, the state prosecutor said a plea deal is still on the table.

“The state’s offer was for a misdemeanor resisting officer without violence for credit time served, court costs and fines. That remains the state’s offer today,” said Katherine Artman, with the state attorney’s office.

Glover’s mother said the family is not interested.

“No, we’re not interested in nothing…charges dropped,” said Pamela Glover. “If my son had anybody in a headlock, he wouldn’t be here to hug me today. So no, no charges, dropped.”

Glover retained a new attorney Tuesday, Matthew Futch, who told the judge he needs time to go through the evidence before advising his client on any next steps.

Glover’s next court date is April 2.

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