Complaint filed against Palm Beach detective

A Wellington couple filed a complaint against a Palm Beach detective, claiming he arrested their son despite knowing the 18-year-old didn’t commit the crime, according to the complaint.

The complaint filed by Jodi and Thayne Brunsvold names Detective John Scanlan and references an arrest he made in an indecent exposure case Aug. 29.

A woman taking her daily walk in Phipps Ocean Park encountered am an who exposed himself to her, according to the police report. After she got the attention of a nearby patrol officer, she said she saw the man get into a blue car with black roof racks and drive away.

After checking the town’s camera system, a similar car was spotted leaving the north lot of the park, according to the report. This vehicle led investigators to seek a warrant for Brett Brunsvold.

The teen pleaded not guilty and prosecutors decided not to file the charge, according to court documents.

“The detective not only didn’t do his job of looking for the correct suspect in the case, but he knowingly arrested the wrong person, subjecting Brett to the arrest process which included a search, detention in a cell and being handcuffed,” according to the complaint.

Lawyer Jason Weiss, who is representing the couple and their son, said they have several objectives, including some consequence for Scanlan and a change in police department policy.

The complaint will be reviewed but no disciplinary measures will be taken, said Director of Public Safety Kirk Blouin. Investigators had a warrant signed by the state attorney’s office before arresting the teen, so no investigation is needed, Blouin said.

“The detective was doing his job,” Blouin said. “Just because a family member doesn’t like the outcome or result doesn’t mean that there was any impropriety by the detective.”