Five Memphis Police Department officers who were involved in the arrest of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old father, who died in the hospital days after the traffic stop, have been fired, Newsweek reported.
Memphis Police Department announced on Friday that Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills, Jr., and Justin Smith had their employment terminated after violating
“multiple department policies”
during their encounter with Nichols.
“After a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding this incident, we have determined that five MPD officers violated multiple department policies, including excessive use of force, duty to intervene, and duty to render aid. Earlier today, each officer charged was terminated from the Memphis Police Department,”
the statement said.
An earlier statement from the department published on January 8, said officers attempted to arrest Nichols for
“reckless driving”
on January 7.
“As officers approached the driver of the vehicle, a confrontation occurred, and the suspect fled the scene on foot. Officers pursued the suspect and again attempted to take the suspect into custody. While attempting to take the suspect into custody, another confrontation occurred; however, the suspect was ultimately apprehended,”
the statement said. It continued:
“Afterwards, the suspect complained of having a shortness of breath, at which time an ambulance was called to the scene. The suspect was transported to St. Francis Hospital in critical condition.”
He succumbed to his injuries three days after the arrest.
The bureau has launched an investigation into the five officers to detect if they committed any criminal offenses, as well as a separate civil rights investigation that has been launched by the Department of Justice and FBI. The family of Nichols is currently being represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
