From Trussville Tribune staff reports
TUSCALOOSA -Tuscaloosa police officers responding to a noise complaint in the early morning hours following the Alabama-LSU football game were caught on tape using a taser and a flashlight on students. The multiple videos (below) went viral on social media drawing rebuke from TPD chief Steve Anderson and created a stir from citizens siding with the both the officers and students, respectively,
Today, Anderson announced the disciplinary actions being taken against several of the officers involved. The following is his statement:
After reviewing the evidence from the November 8, 2015 incident involving TPD officers’ response to a loud noise complaint in the 500 block of Frank Thomas Avenue, the following actions were taken with respect to four of the officers involved in the incident.
Disciplinary action is still pending against Officer Kent and he is still on administrative leave with pay.
Officers Champion and Pimm received no discipline as a result of their actions. They were required to receive remedial training in the use of force, decision making and de-escalation techniques. Officer Champion and Pimm have returned to work.
Officer Sams received a written reprimand and remedial training to improve his communication skills.
The criminal cases are still pending in court.
When the incident occurred, the Tuscaloosa Police Department issued a statement following the publication of several videos documenting the arrest of a student or students early Sunday morning.
“The City of Tuscaloosa and the Tuscaloosa Police Department have been made aware of videos regarding an incident that occurred on November 8, 2015 at 3:19 am that were a result of a loud music call.” the statement read. “A full investigation of the circumstances that are depicted in these videos will be conducted and all appropriate measures taken to ensure the integrity of the Tuscaloosa Police Department in serving the citizens of Tuscaloosa.”
The videos below were posted by The Crimosn White, the university’s student newspaper, as well as multiple other media sites.
The incident reportedly began when officers answered a noise complaint at an apartment complex just off of University Boulevard.
In the videos, the Tuscaloosa police officer informs one man that he is under arrest for harassment. Another man tries to shut the door on the officer while several other people video the encounter.
The officer holds his ground until back up officers arrive and then enters the apartment and removes a man who is then tasered and and struck with an unknown instrument during the arrest. Two other people were also taken to the ground.
Online documents indicate at least one person was charged with harassment, resisting arrest, and obstructing government operations.
2 Comments
Tjo Johnson
I’m going to call this like it is. Bull. Crap. These disrespectful brats are on a short bus heading nowhere. If I had caught my son doing this when he was in college that police taser would have been the least of his worries.
Bucky Eades
I would hope that my kid would have been more respectful and would have had serious issues had they acted like this. HOWEVER once the police tazzed the 90 lb girl for the 4th time while she was on the ground, I was over that. Policemen are professionals and should be able to control their emotions after they get the upper hand. These kids were drunk and loud at 2 or 3 Am way past the noise ordinance but police over reacted and it escalated. Just saying if this had been students of color it would still be front page news too.