Tennessee sheriff opens new investigation into two deputies after body camera video of Tire Nichols emerges
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has placed two deputies on administrative leave following the release of body camera footage Friday night of a Jan. 7 traffic stop, showing officers being badly beaten Tire Nichols, 29 years. He later died of his injuries.
Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner, Jr. said he decided to launch an internal investigation after viewing the video.
“Having watched the videotape for the first time tonight, I am concerned about two deputies who appeared at the scene following the physical confrontation between police and Tire Nichols,” Bonner said on Twitter.
He added: “I have launched an internal investigation into the conduct of these MPs to determine what happened and whether any policies were breached. Both of these MPs have been removed from office pending the outcome of this investigation. administration.
QUICK REACTION AFTER POLICE IMAGES OF TIRE NICHOLS RELEASED; ‘THESE MEN WERE STREET FIGHTING,’ SAYS FORMER COP
A view from a camera mounted above the intersection where Memphis police caught up with Tire Nichols, who died three days later. Authorities released footage of the deadly encounter between Nichols and police on Friday.
(Memphis Police Department)
Those responsible have not been named.
In a separate statement on Facebook, the sheriff said he was saddened and “angry” at the actions of the five officers that resulted in Nichols’ death.
Warning: the content of the video below is of a graphic nature.
“My sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Tire Nichols. I am sad and angry about his tragic death,” Bonner said.
TIRE NICHOLS VIDEO: MEMPHIS AUTHORITIES RELEASE IMAGES OF DEADLY TRAFFIC STOP
The sheriff said moments like this tarnish the badge of other law enforcement officers.
“I am a second generation law enforcement officer and I am disturbed by what we have all seen on video. This horrific incident has tarnished the badge that I wear and that many other good officers wear every day “, reads the press release. “I will do everything in my power to prevent another parent from having to bury their child in such a senseless and tragic way.”
Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner, Jr. announced the investigation into two deputies who were at the scene where Tire Nichols, 29, was severely beaten by Memphis police officers.
(Shelby County Sheriff’s Office)
Many other law enforcement officers, politicians, sports figures and others commented on the graphic images released Friday night, which showed several Memphis police officers repeatedly beating Nichols with punches, kicks and a baton. .
TIRE NICHOLS’ MOTHER URGES PEACEFUL PROTESTS: ‘I DON’T WANT US TO BURN OUR CITIES’
The footage, taken from body cameras as well as a nearby street camera, shows Nichols trying to flee from officers, who are chasing him, tasering him, repeatedly insulting him, punching him and punching him. foot, spray him with pepper spray and leave. him bloodied and dazed.
Warning: the content of the video below is of a graphic nature.
The incident took place on January 7, and Nichols succumbed to his injuries in a hospital three days later on January 10.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The five Memphis police officers involved in the incident have been identified: Desmond Mills, Justin Smith, Emmitt Martin, Tadarrius Bean and Demetrius Haley. They were later fired and face charges including second-degree murder.
If found guilty, they face up to 60 years in prison.
Mostly peaceful protests erupted in Memphis, Los Angeles and Washington, DC on Friday night after the video was released.
foxnews
