Black Ex-Marine Who Cites Battle Trauma in Attack on White Police Officer was Just Domestic Food Prepper

Syracuse
August 1, 2014

A Syracuse veteran accused of a savage, unprovoked attack on a North Syracuse police officer partially blamed the attack on debilitating emotional trauma he suffered while in the Marines.

Danon Edwards, 33, said through his lawyer that his military service left him emotionally scarred and unable to work. He told is lawyer, Chris Gaiser, that he served in the “Gulf War.”

But Edwards was actually a peacetime food service worker and never left the country, according to the U.S. Marines.

His record shows he was a Marine from July 19, 1999 to Jan. 31, 2003. He had the rank of private and served as a “food service specialist.”

There’s no indication of overseas assignment or deployment, the Marines noted.

In court, Gaiser said Edwards’ service “may have had an effect on his emotional stability.”

Edwards is accused of attacking North Syracuse Police Officer Robert Florian, hitting him several times before other officers arrived to subdue Edwards. Florian had serious physical injuries including a broken jaw and lots of bruises, police said.

The May 12 incident started after a four-vehicle crash at South Main Street and East Taft Road in the village of North Syracuse.

Edwards is accused of getting out of a vehicle and striking Florian, who was taken to a Syracuse hospital for treatment.

During Edwards’ July 8 court appearance, he mumbled responses and denied the attack.

When County Court Judge Anthony Aloi asked Edwards if he understood that he was charged with assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest, he replied: “No, I don’t understand. I didn’t do it.”

The judge ordered a mental health exam for Edwards. If Edwards is found not competent to stand trial, he would remain in custody and undergo treatment until it was determined he could understand the court proceedings.

Edwards was honorably discharged from the service with a blanket campaign medal, the National Defense Service Medal, which is given to all honorable soldiers who served after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the Marines said.

Edwards, who had been free on $50,000 bail, was taken into custody July 8. He’s due back in court Friday.