Video: Five Birmingham Police officers fired for videotaped beating
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Police Chase And Beating
Birmingham Police Officers Chase And Beat Unconscious Suspect
Suspect Anthony Warren Mugshot
Five Birmingham Police officers have been fired, after the discovery of a videotaped beating of a vehicle pursuit suspect.
In a news conference held today, Mayor Larry Langford and Police Chief A.C. Roper announced the firings, following an internal investigation.
The decisions come after a video captured officers beating on a suspect who was unconcious, after being ejected in a wreck, following a vehicle pursuit in January 2008.
The suspect, Anthony Warren, at the time of arrest had an extensive criminal record including convictions for theft, receiving stolen property, and escape.
UPDATE:
The following is a news release from the Birmingham Police Department:
The Birmingham Police Department reports today that five Birmingham Police Officers are under investigation in connection with the use of excessive force against a 37-year-old male suspect, which occurred on Friday, January 23, 2008, at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Birmingham Police Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop in Birmingham. The suspect failed to stop and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended in Hoover at I-459 and Highway 31. The incident was captured on video.
Chief A.C. Roper states, “The video was also troubling because these are seasoned veteran officers. In fact, we’ve terminated over 50 years of combined service due to 10 seconds of injustice. There are no winners in this situation. We have 5 officers who lost their jobs and a citizen who suffered unnecessarily.” Two officers served with the Birmingham Police Department twelve (12) years, the others served seven (7), eight (8), and thirteen (13) years respectively.
Chief Roper also states, “In addition to these terminations, we’re also reviewing our supervisor’s actions, reporting mechanisms and policies.”
This incident is still under investigation.
View the photo to see Warren’s mugshot at the time of arrest.
What do you think? Give us your comments below.
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Reader Reactions
Why is anyone shocked? The only surprise is that the video didn’t go missing. Then the officers could have gone to court, raised their right hand, place their left hand on the Bible, and swore the the defendent was resisting arrest. A police officers, “Everready Battery Excuse” for abuse.
What was shown on the videotape WAS NOT THEIR JOB!
ANYONE STATING THAT IS RATIONALIZING AND JUSTIFYING IMMORAL AND ILLEGAL BEHAVIOR.
IF THAT IS THE DEFINITION OF “THEIR JOB”, THE PERSONS WHO HIRED THEM ARE A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION.
No I do not feel they should be fired and they should all be reinstated. Most people dont understand that Law Enforcemet personal risk their lives daily,wether it be just a minor traffic stop or a high speed chase. At all times they are endangered. They reacted with full force adrenaline as would you or I. THEY DID THEIR JOB!!!!!
Caring viewer,While I would never stop anyone, including LALA, his right to speak his mind on national tv.He should atleast tell the truth, and state the FACTS concerning this case.He told CNN that this happened on the previous watch of MR KINCAID, when in fact it happened on his watch. When asked about the discrepency, he stated now’s not the time to point finger’s. He knew darn well when it happened. He is so used to not telling the truth, he get very defenceive when confronted with at he truth.
This footage was very displeasing. As many times this has happen in different cities Bham police officers should of known better. The fact that the officer knew enough to cut the tape off clearly indicates they knew they were not acting as officers of the law anymore. Yes it’s understood that were angry due to the fact the criminal made them chase him throughout the city but you still have to act accordingly. When the van flipped and the body was thrown it was clear that he was not moving. No one seen in the video had their guns drawn. They all came out swinging. That was wrong, he clearly did not pose a threat to anyone laying face down in the ground. Did they try to cover it up,yes. Should they be removed from duty, yes by all means. Sure they a few of them were promoted and commended for jobs well done, because this was the “good all boys secert” Do I fault my mayor for getting on national television speaking his mind, no. Because the officers were wrong. I pray this does not turn into another Rodney King situation. I sincerely hope that the people of this city have enough sense to do the right thing. Everyone who knew of this terrible behavior should be held accountable not just the 5 of them tape.
I’m supprised that LALA isn’t hollering racisum.When something like this happen’s ,the chief should be held responsible.But that woun’t happen here, AC ROPER is LALA’S right hand man and a super chief.This is what happens when the police are to big for their britches. This could happen to to you MR. JOE Citizen. think about it
Firing was NOT ENOUGH!
PRISON FOR THE COPS!
Police aduse is much more commom than people think.
Those who agree with these actions probably agree with torturing prisoners.
They need to experience a good beating themselves.
Until they have actually experienced something like this, they are not qualified to answer the question; “Should (armed) authorities have the right to beat and torture anyone?“
I had a one car accident and was pulled out of an ambulance, held up (because I could not stand) and beaten unconcious BY THE POLICE.
One officer objected and was told to “take a walk” by the others.
My crime?
When asked if I wanted to step out of the ambulance and explain what happened I replied that I wanted to go to the hospital immediately.
There were no dash-cams then, so nothing was ever done (except that I was forced to apologize to the officers, I was charged with “insulting a police officer”).
Those who do not know the whole story should reserve judgement.
I hate that these 5 men can tarnish our entire police force. I think damages should be paid to this man. With his injuries just from the crash alone, the officers could have killed him by their brutality because everyone, espeacially the officers, know that after a car crash, you should keep the victim as still as possible until medical help arrives. Convicted murderer’s get more humane medical treatment than this man. It will be sad if this isn’t exposed on a national level. Even the police should be under the law, not above it.
No I don’t think they should have been fired….they should have gotten a promotion…the idiot had no feelings for the officer’s life that he hit with his car & no feelings for the lives of other people traveling on the highway. They should have beaten him worse than they did. We don’t need idiot’s like that!! Thanks!
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