FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Police bodycam videos were released on Thursday after the controversial and violent arrest of a Black woman in Fort Wayne, which has prompted an internal investigation.
On Monday, officers with Fort Wayne Police Department pulled over 29-year-old Tyjana Smith for an alleged traffic violation.
In the video, Smith can be heard asking an officer the justification for the traffic stop. The officer asked her for identification, which she said she did not have with her. While disputing the reason for the stop, officers were allegedly informed Smith had an outstanding warrant.
Smith was told to exit the vehicle. After she did not get out of the car, video shows one of the officers grab her and pull her out of the vehicle onto the ground. A struggle ensued between Smith and the officers. One of the officers punched Smith in the head during the altercation, and also can be heard calling her a “b*tch.” Smith can be heard using profanity as well.
One of the officers involved in the arrest of Smith, identified as Mason Wills, is the same FWPD officer who fatally shot Linzell Parhm during a traffic stop in June, which the officer is currently under investigation for.
Smith is facing charges of resisting law enforcement causing injury, battery against a public safety official, refusal to identify, and driving with a suspended license.
The arrest has sparked outrage and condemnation in the local community, and went viral on social media.
Fort Wayne Police Department released unedited bodycam videos of the incident on their YouTube channel on Thursday.
An internal investigation into the incident has been launched, and the officers involved have been reassigned.
Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker released a statement, saying:
The Fort Wayne Police Department and I today are releasing the body camera footage from the traffic stop on August 5, 2024, that has raised questions and concerns in the community. The release of the body camera footage continues a commitment by my administration and the FWPD to openness and transparency with the public and the media. An internal affairs investigation, along with an investigation by the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office, is ongoing into this matter. As we continue to investigate, the officers involved in the incident have had a duty reassignment.
More on the arrest and response from the community.
Blog dedicated to news and viewpoints from Black journalists who support, and inform, communities of color.
Original content, and curated articles, are posted and updated daily.