The Palm Beach County State Attorney’s office concluded its investigation into the use of deadly force at Dreyfoos School of the Arts last year, declaring it will not pursue charges based on its results and review of body-worn cameras from multiple officers on scene.
State Attorney David Aronberg’s office found that Police were justified to use deadly force last year after a former student, who was high on marijuana, crashed into the Dreyfoos School of the Arts campus and acted erratically, according to a report published by the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office.
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In May 2022, Police shot and killed a man described in the report as a “violent, erratic suspect” who intruded around lunchtime. West Palm Beach Police Department sent officers to the scene after the van hit a 40-foot royal palm tree outside the student services building. The impact was so hard that the tree was knocked down, and the van was totaled, deploying all of its airbags. The sound of the crash alarmed witnesses, and students nearby started running away from the scene, the report said.
Before this, the report recounts the same white van driving recklessly through downtown West Pam Beach, speeding and often going the wrong way, creating an “overall dangerous” situation for everyone. A law enforcement officer suspected the van was stolen.
The 5’11” 207 lb driver Romen Phelps pushed past a school employee and female officer on site. After arriving on campus, Phelps was seen “‘skipping’ down the campus walkway while beginning to take off his shirt… yelling indiscernible speech as he proceeded. Witnesses described him as “high,” “manic,” “out of it,” and “defiant.” After observing this behavior, the school was locked down and evacuated.
Other officers attempted to handcuff Phelps but could not because he kept pulling his arm away “so hard that he nearly threw himself to the ground.” With another burst of strength, Phelps ripped open the locked theater doors and ran down the hallway. Surveillance cameras showed “Phelps galloping down the hallway punching lockers” behind fleeing students while appearing extremely agitated. Cameras also offer him being chased by individuals trying to prevent him from hurting anyone.
Phelps eventually took to the stage, screaming profanities, singing show tunes, and kicking the piano. The report described this behavior as “bizarre and violent.”
An off-duty police officer nearby responded to the 911 call due to be nearby. He had a firearm but no body camera due to being off-duty. After arriving, Phelps became increasingly agitated and charged the officer with closed fists. A redacted observer claimed that the officer was attempting to handcuff Phelps but couldn’t and that Phelp began winning the struggle, getting into a dominant position on top of the officer. DNA evidence confirmed that Phelps was going for the officer’s gun and had even touched the handle.
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The officer then shot Phelps once and immediately began attempting life-saving medical care, along with on-scene emergency medical personnel.
The State attorney’s office found that the use of force was legally “reasonable” and therefore justified given the totality of the circumstances. No charges will be filed, and no action against the officer will be taken.
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