2 Shelby County MPs Suspended Over Arrest of Tyre Nichols

Feb. 16 (UPI) — Two police officers who arrived at the scene of Tyre Nichols’ beating by Memphis police after a traffic stop in early January have been suspended, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office said.

Patrol Deputies Jeremy Watkins and Johntavius ​​Bowers have been suspended five days without pay for violating Shelby County Sheriff’s Office rules, Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. said Wednesday. statement.

The two MPs are the latest to be sanctioned for the January 7 traffic stop against 29-year-old Nichols.

Bonner said Watkins and Bowers showed up at the scene after a “physical confrontation” between five Memphis police officers and Nichols, who died three days after the traffic stop.

Graphic body camera footage released by the city where the incident took place shows police pulling Nichols out of his car.

The officers shout orders to Nichols, who appears to be trying to comply, before pepper spray is sprayed on him. He is then shocked with a taser as he tries to run.

The officers catch Nichols, who is beaten while screaming about his mother.

Five officers, identified as Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith, were fired and charged late last month.

Bonner said Watkins and Bowers were suspended Wednesday following an administrative investigation into their behavior that night.

“Because I had concerns about the two policemen who showed up at the scene after the physical confrontation between the police and Tyre Nichols, I ordered an international investigation,” he said, saying it was “thorough and complete.”

“I am satisfied that the discipline applied to these deputies is appropriate and fair. We must continue to maintain the highest standards of excellence for the citizens of Shelby County through service, integrity and accountability.”

The statement said that Watkins and Bowers each committed three violations relating to radio communications procedures, mobile video recording system procedures, and field patrol and job duties.

Watkins also committed a fourth violation regarding the operational liability of the daily activity log, the report said.

The results of the internal investigation were released “based on the sheriff’s office’s current opinion that no charges will be filed” as a result of the District Attorney’s investigation of the incident, he added.

Earlier this month, Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis said at least 10 officers were at the scene of the clash and that 12 members of her department, including those who were not present at the time of the attack, were subject to disciplinary action.

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