The Detroit Police Chief has called for the suspension of an officer involved in a recent shooting incident that stemmed from a traffic stop. Following multiple policy violations, Chief Todd Bettison made the announcement during a press conference on Monday, emphasizing concerns that arose during the encounter, which escalated into a vehicle pursuit and ended with the officer discharging their weapon.
The altercation began on Sunday afternoon, when an officer stopped a black Dodge Durango for alleged speeding and other traffic violations, including tinted windows and an obscured license plate. The driver disputed the reason for the stop and requested a supervisor several times. Instead of complying, the officer called for backup and attempted to physically remove the driver from the vehicle, which met with resistance.
In the course of events, a backup officer resorted to using pepper spray on the driver, who then fled the scene. A police pursuit followed, leading to the driver being boxed in a mile down the road. This time, instead of complying with orders to exit the vehicle, the driver attempted to escape again. The officer, in an extreme response, fired multiple shots into the vehicle, striking the driver six times.
Despite the seriousness of the incident, the driver has since been released from the hospital and will not face charges, as confirmed by Chief Bettison. Following a review of the body camera footage, he deemed that the use of force was unwarranted and thus requested that the officer be suspended without pay. The Michigan State Police are currently investigating the incident, and the chief has submitted a warrant request to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for potential charges against the officer involved.
Bettison highlighted specific policy violations during the incident, particularly noting that officers should not pursue individuals for mere traffic violations and must call for a supervisor when requested by a citizen. He referred to the incident as a failure in adhering to established protocols intended to de-escalate situations.
The police chief’s prompt action indicates a commitment to accountability within the department, aiming to address the procedural missteps that contributed to the shooting. Although details surrounding the officer’s identity remain limited, Chief Bettison assured that he would uphold the standards that govern police conduct and take appropriate measures following the completion of the ongoing investigation.