Memphis police will release more audio and video of the January 7 traffic stop that sent Tire Nichols to a hospital, where he died days later.
Memphis City Legal Director Jennifer Sink said in a statement late Tuesday that the city will withhold all additional video and audio related to the January 7 traffic stop until it completes an administrative investigation, which should occur in the “next few weeks”.
“The City has received multiple requests for the release of the full audio and video images in the Tire Nichols case. The City is still conducting an administrative investigation of other personnel, and the criminal investigation is ongoing. It is imperative that “The City will conduct a thorough investigation so that all guilty parties can be held accountable. A premature release of the video and audio could compromise our administrative investigation,” Sink said.
“The City is preparing to release these recordings to the public upon completion of the administrative investigation, which is expected to occur in the coming weeks. Mr. Nichols’ family and attorneys were given the opportunity to view the entirety of the audio and video footage. video. in private until it can be released publicly. We ask for the public’s patience while we complete our investigation,” he added.
TIRE NICHOLS INVESTIGATION: DA SAYS ‘THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO INTENT TO PROTECT ANYONE’
This photo provided by the Nichols family shows Tire Nichols, who had a passion for photography and was described by friends as cheerful and adorable. Nichols was just minutes from his home in Memphis, Tennessee, on January 7, 2023, when he was stopped by police and fatally beaten. Since then, five Memphis police officers have been charged with second-degree murder and other crimes.
(Courtesy of the Nichols family via AP)
Memphis officials released body camera video and other images Friday related to the traffic stop involving Nichols.
During the traffic stop, officers say a “confrontation occurred” that led to Nichols attempting to run from officers.
As officers caught up with Nichols, police say another confrontation occurred, leaving the man complaining of shortness of breath.
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“While attempting to detain the suspect, another confrontation occurred; however, the suspect was ultimately apprehended.” MPD said. “Afterward, the suspect complained of having difficulty breathing, at which point he was called for an ambulance.”
TIRE NICHOLS VIDEO: MEMPHIS AUTHORITIES RELEASE IMAGES OF DEADLY TRAFFIC STOP
Memphis Police Department officers Demetrius Haley, Tadarrius Bean, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills and Justin Smith were fired Jan. 18 for their roles in the arrest of the late Tire Nichols.
(Memphis Police Department)
Nichols was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Memphis in critical condition, but died on January 10.
As officers removed Nichols from the car during the traffic stop, he can be heard saying “I didn’t do anything.”
“Watch out, I’m going to be a stick to fuck with you,” says an officer.
In the video, officers are seen punching, kicking and hitting Nichols multiple times with a baton.
Five former Memphis police officers were fired after the incident and are being charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault and other charges.
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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)
A Memphis police officer removes Tire Nichols from his vehicle on January 7, 2023.
(Memphis Police Department)
Memphis police also suspended Preston Hemphill, who served as a police officer, one day after the incident. A seventh officer has been relieved of duty to him, but has not been named.
Fox News’ Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.
