Suburban cops under investigation after punching, kicking black Detroiter

Michigan State Police are investigating the violent arrest of a black man in Detroit by two white suburban officers Monday.

The arrest was captured on video by an outraged homeowner, prompting state police to launch an investigation following complaints from Detroit authorities and the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.

The officers were from Grosse Pointe Park and Highland Park and were part of a multi-jurisdictional task force. The officers punched and kicked the suspect while he was facedown.

When the victim cried out, “Jesus,” while getting punched, a Grosse Pointe Park officer became outraged.

“You’re calling Jesus? Don’t you dare! Don’t you fucking dare!” he yelled.

We broke news in November 2013 that Grosse Pointe Park cops were humiliating a mentally ill black man and circulating humiliating videos of him. The officers were briefly suspended and forced to undergo sensitivity training.

Grosse Pointe Park Public Safety Director David Hiller quickly defended the actions of police, saying the suspect was wanted for pointing a gun at a mother and her two children in a carjacking. Police tracked down the car and chased the suspect on foot before arresting him.

“The subject continued to reach for the area of his waist band and refused all orders to show his hands,” Hiller said. “He curled up in a ball and his right hand again went under his clothing. Fearing for their safety and those in the immediate area, an officer delivered a kick to the thigh area of the subject thus allowing the other officers the ability to arrest the subject. Located in his waist band was a loaded semi-automatic handgun.”

  Arrest, Beating, detroit, Grosse pointe park, Investigation, police, racism, state police, video

Steve Neavling

Steve Neavling lives and works in Detroit as an investigative journalist. His stories have uncovered corruption, led to arrests and reforms and prompted FBI investigations.

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