WATCH: LPD finds no wrongdoing in response to citizen use-of-force complaint
Published 4:23 pm Monday, August 15, 2022
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The LaGrange Police Department has found no wrongdoing in response to a citizen complaint alleging that two officers used excessive force during an arrest on Aug. 9.
The LPD has released body cam footage of the arrest.
The complaint, which was filed by Brittany Higgins, alleged that Officer Matthew Turner and Investigator Brandon Dorsey had used excessive force during the arrest of Broderick Brown.
An investigation by the LPD’s Office of Professional Standards determined there is no factual basis to support the allegations that either Turner or Dorsey acted inappropriately or applied physical force that was unreasonable in Brown’s arrest, according to a LPD press release.
“The injuries sustained by Brown are consistent with someone who resists a lawful arrest by taking flight and being taken to the ground and then offering continued physical resistance during attempts to handcuff,” the press release reads.
Brown had active felony warrants for failure to appear (superior court) possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of cocaine; and failure to appear (superior court) two counts of sale of methamphetamine.
He also had an active warrant through LPD for criminal trespass for allegedly causing damage to his girlfriend’s vehicle by kicking and breaking a rear taillight.
In the body cam footage, Brown originally gives Turner a false name and says he had been walking out the backdoor to get a mop for his mother. He said he’ll sit down, but then takes off running away from Turner.
Turner catches him, takes him to the ground and tells Brown to put his hands behind his back, which Brown refuses. Dorsey then runs over to help and immediately identifies Brown. At that point, Brown had to be physically restrained to be handcuffed.
Once handcuffed, the video shows Brown asking for water, which officers grant. A nearby citizen gave Brown some water.
Brown asked for an ambulance, according to LPD, and they called for one. The video says no ambulance was available, but the LaGrange Fire Department responded and checked on Brown.
His O2 levels were a little low after running, and he was given more water. After an evaluation, the LPD asked Brown if he wanted to go to the hospital to be checked up before going to the Troup County Jail.
At that point, the LPD press release said Brown was taken to the hospital for evaluation and treatment.