The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has placed two deputies on administrative leave following the release of body camera footage Friday night of a traffic stop on January 7, showing deputies severely beating Tire Nichols. , 29 years old. He later died from his injuries.
Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner, Jr. said he decided to launch an internal investigation after seeing the video.
“Having first seen the video tonight, I am concerned about two officers who appeared on the scene following a physical confrontation between police and Tire Nichols,” Bonner said on Twitter.
He added: “I have launched an internal investigation into the conduct of these deputies to determine what happened and whether any policy was violated. Both deputies have been relieved of their duties pending the outcome of this administrative investigation.”
QUICK REACTION AFTER RELEASE OF POLICE IMAGES OF TIRE NICHOLS; “THESE MEN WERE STREET FIGHTERS,” SAYS EX-POLICIAN
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)
The officials were not named.
In a separate statement on Facebook, the sheriff said he was saddened and “angry” about the actions of the five police officers that resulted in Nichols’ death.
Warning: The content of the following video is graphic in nature.
“I express my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Tire Nichols. I am saddened and angry by 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 concerned about what we all saw captured on video. This horrific incident tarnishes the badge that I wear and many other good officers wear every day,” the statement read. “I will do everything in my power to prevent another parent from having to bury his child in such a senseless and tragic way.”
Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner, Jr. announced the investigation of two officers who were at the scene where 29-year-old Tire Nichols was severely beaten by Memphis police officers.
(Shelby County Sheriff’s Office)
Many other law enforcement officers, politicians, sports personalities and others have 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 down’
The footage, taken from body cameras and a nearby street camera, shows Nichols trying to flee from officers, who chase him, electrocute him, repeatedly curse at him, punch and kick him, pepper spray him and drive off. he bloody and dazed.
Warning: The content of the following video is graphic in nature.
The incident took place on January 7, and Nichols succumbed to his injuries at a hospital three days later, on January 10.
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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 subsequently fired and face charges, including second-degree murder.
If convicted, they could 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.
