DETROIT (WWJ) -- A Detroit police sergeant has been suspended with pay in connection with his actions regarding the fatal shooting of Detroit police officer Rasheen McClain.
Detroit Police Chief James Craig said Monday evening an internal affairs investigation has been launched into the sergeant's behavior, which he called "disturbing."
The 12th Precinct "sat in his scout car a block away, while you could hear people screaming 'officer down' on the radio," and did not go to the scene of the shooting, according to Craig. The chief says that appears to be neglect of duty.
"It was clear to everyone who reviewed the video that he made no effort to get to the scene and take control," Craig said. "His response was that he was sitting in his car a block away waiting to see if the suspect ran his way. But that’s not acceptable when there’s an officer down."
The sergeant was suspended with pay, but Craig said he plans to ask the Board of Police Commissioners to withhold his pay during the suspension.
In the days following the shooting, Craig said he believes the tragedy could have been avoided. He said the suspect, whose identity has not been released, was reportedly a suspect in another shooting at the same home where McClain was shot, as he was on parole for another crime.