A Detroit-area police officer has been fired — just one week after it was announced he was charged with assault. The officer was seen on video punching a young Black man in the face and slamming his head to the ground at the jail as he went through processing.
The 19-year-old man, who was not identified, was being processed at the jail on June 13 after being arrested on multiple charges. Video shows the young man and a man identified as Matthew Rodriguez apparently exchanging words before the officer attacked the young man.
Last week, Police Commissioner William Dwyer said other officers immediately intervened and reported the incident.
Per the Associated Press, Rodriguez was charged with willful neglect of duty and assault. A judge set his bond at $5,000. It was not known if he has an attorney who could comment on the case.
Rodriguez, an officer with Warren PD for 14 years, was placed on unpaid leave.
Dwyer announced today Rodriguez was terminated from the Warren Police Department.
More about the video can be found here.
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