(WWJ) A Wayne County jury has convicted former Melvindale police officer Matthew Furman on charges of misconduct in office and assault following a major excessive force investigation.
The guilty verdict centers on a July 2024 traffic stop.
Prosecutors said Furman deployed his taser into a man's back while the man had his hands on the roof of his car.
Furman later grabbed the injured man by his hair and pulled him against a fire truck while medics were trying to treat him, according to prosecutors.
Back in 2019. Furman pleaded no contest to willful neglect of duty in connection with an incident on a call for a drunk and disorderly person. On Thursday, Furman also entered a no-contest plea for another, separate 2021 incident where he kicked a handcuffed suspect.
While the jury did acquit Furman in yet another separate use-of-force case, Prosecutor Kym Worthy said, in a statement:
“It is important to remember that the majority of our police officers are bravely placing their lives on the line every day and proudly serving with the utmost integrity. The alleged behavior of this officer is a criminal and does a disservice to the men and women who have taken an oath to protect and serve all of our citizens,” said Prosecutor Kym Worthy.
All of the cases were prosecuted by Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Mathew Makepeace.
Sentencing is set for May 29.
