A stunning announcement from St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell Thursday. He says he fired five St. Paul officers for what Axtell called a "violation of trust and deceit."
Our @sjonesWCCO breaks down the St. Paul Police Department's announcement and decision to fire five officers today. pic.twitter.com/brGnDzIaRl
— WCCO Radio (@wccoradio)
June 13, 2019 The incident took place at Eastside Checkerboard Pizza in St. Paul owned by Tou Cha, who is a former St. Paul police officer. A criminal complaint says multiple fights were happening inside the restaurant. During the incident, one officer’s squad parked across the street and another squad drove by and captured the alleged attack on camera.
Cha was charged with beating a man with a baton and pepper spraying him and has pleaded not guilty.
Axtell says he spoke to all five officers Thursday morning before terminating their employment. He adds that the incident was investigated thoroughly by police internal affairs.
It's an incident Axtell says has caused the St. Paul Police Department to make a major withdrawal from the bank of trust.
"It's a really hard day for our department."
The SPPD Union is appealing the decision to terminate the officers.
