Joseph McFadden
White male
Age at time: 24
Weapon: taser and pepper spray
Daniel Dreyer
White male
Age at time: 22
Weapon: none
Defendant photo: Leon County Sheriff's Office, 2011
Case type:
Unprovoked attack
Location:
Public
Initiator:
Victim
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2011
Location details: Public in Tallahassee, Leon County, on Feb. 27, 2011
What happened: Daniel Dreyer had just bought food along Tallahassee's "Tennessee Strip" when four men approached him, one with blood on his face. One of the men, Joseph McFadden, took a swing at Dreyer. Dreyer physically restrained his attacker. While restraining him, Dreyer was pepper sprayed and tasered. He said he did not see who did that to him. Dreyer was charged with two misdemeanors: "Public affray" and resisting arrest without violence.
The outcome: Judge granted Dreyer's "stand your ground" motion
Investigating agency: Tallahassee Police
Case decision made by: Judge
Trayvon Martin’s death became controversial because circumstances leading up to the shooting cast doubt on who was to blame. The Tampa Bay Times reviewed other “stand your ground” cases for similar circumstances. The Times relied on available information, some of which may not tell the whole story. When the situation was unclear, that was noted.
| Yes | No | Unclear/ disputed |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Did the victim initiate the confrontation? |
 |
||
Was the victim armed? |
|
||
Was the victim committing a crime that led to the confrontation? |
|
||
Did the defendant pursue the victim? |
|
||
Could the defendant have retreated to avoid the conflict? |
|
||
Was the defendant on his or her property? |
|
||
Did someone witness the attack? |
|
||
Was there physical evidence? |
|
Source: Second Judicial Circuit, Sept. 7, 2011.
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
