Officer put on leave as police investigate arrest video

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – A Chattanooga Police officer has been placed on leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

Videos of the arrest last spring have been circulating on social media.

This afternoon, Police Chief David Roddy issued a statement about the video.

“The Chattanooga Police Department is aware of a video circulating on social media relating to a traffic stop that occurred on March 3, 2018.”

“More importantly, we share in the concern it has caused in our community. Let me assure everyone that your police department and its internal affairs unit are reviewing all related materials, videos, and evidence and a formal internal investigation has started.”

“Due to the fact that the charges incurred by the driver are bound over to the grand jury and a CPD administrative investigation is proceeding we are unable to discuss or disclose details related to the matter. However, as this progresses through these processes and we are able to release additional information, we will do so.”

The police report on the arrest says the suspect was clocked going 52 mph in a 40 mph zone.

Officers who pulled him over says he threw objects out of the vehicle and seemed to be under the influence of a stimulant (wearing shorts, sweating when the temperature was in the 40’s).

From the police report:

“The driver then began to duck down in the vehicle a(nd) make very sporadic movements. I then began to order the driver out of the vehicle due to his strange behavior and unpredictable actions thus far…. as police move in to take the party into custody he began to pull away and actively resist. Several times the def(endant) attempted to put his hands under his body, even with officers continuous verbal commands to put his hands behind his back. After a brief struggle, the def was taken into custody.”

Here is the full dash cam video of the arrest. You’ll notice that while the suspect does initially put his hands behind his back, he flinches and pulls them forward when officers touch him. Then the punches begin.

This version of the arrest comes from the officer’s body cam. WARNING: EXTREME LANGUAGE.

The connections that we have built between CPD and the broader Chattanooga community are invaluable in helping us keep our streets safer. Any misconduct from our officers that harm these connections is unacceptable.

— Andy Berke (@AndyBerke) January 18, 2019

From a video released today, it is clear that a full investigation into potential misconduct is warranted. I am confident in Chief Roddy’s ability to review all the relevant facts and issue any necessary corrective actions.

— Andy Berke (@AndyBerke) January 18, 2019