WARREN (WWJ) -- A Warren police officer is facing a criminal charge for attacking a suspect in a booking room, in what's being called a case of excessive force.
The assault, caught on video, happened just after 6 a.m. Tuesday, June 13, at Warren Police Department Jail, at Warren Police Headquarters on S. Civic Center Blvd.
According to Warren Police Commissioner Bill Dwyer, the officer involved, identified as 48-year-old Officer Matthew Rodriguez, was put on paid administrative leave, and an internal affairs investigation began within three hours following the incident
Dwyer, speaking alongside Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido at a news conference Tuesday, condemned the officer's actions as "unprofessional" and "a disgrace."
Rodriguez has been arraigned on a misdemeanor assault and battery charge in connection with the attack that officials said lasted six seconds, before other police officers intervened.
Dwyer told WWJ's Jon Hewett and other reporters that this incident undermines everyone under his command.
"You know, I've been in law enforcement for a lot of years, and it pains me to see that an officer like Rodriguez can tarnish the reputation of law enforcement the way he did; especially in the city of Warren, the Warren Police Department."
"He (Rodriguez) gets what he deserves," Dwyer added. "I mean, he brought it upon himself, and it's a shame. But he has tarnished the entire Warren Police Department, because the perception's going to be by many people out there that are going to see the story tonight, get the news that Warren police officers are like this officer...and they're not."
Commission Dwyer noted that while there were words exchanged before Rodriguez hit the 19-year-old man, who was being booked on felony charges in connection with a carjacking, the violent action by Rodriguez was completely unacceptable.
Officials said the young man hit by Rodriguez was not seriously injured.
Rodriguez, who has been with the Warren PD. is set to meet with Dwyer this Friday discuss his future, if any, with the department.
Related
