Hillsborough deputy resigns under investigation

TAMPA -- A Hillsborough County sheriff's deputy under investigation for using excessive force resigned last month, the Sheriff's Office said.

Deputy Christopher McCullough, 26, was accused of striking a man he arrested on the head with handcuffs several times on July 8, the Sheriff's Office said. The blows caused numerous cuts to the suspect, Larry Norman.

After Norman was handcuffed with help from someone riding with McCullough, McCullough punched him in the head, the Sheriff's Office said. Norman, 22, was arrested on charges of driving without a valid license and obstructing an officer without violence, according to jail records.

Authorities began their internal affairs investigation after the use of force was flagged during a standard review. A Sheriff's report also said McCullough failed to get proper authorization for the ride-along. He resigned October 10.

McCullough had two and a half years of experience with the Sheriff's Office and a clean record. He worked as a patrol deputy.

Ahbi Raghunathan, Times staff writer