The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office has opened a formal internal affairs investigation into an Aug. 28 arrest after video of the encounter circulated online and raised concerns among community members.
Sheriff Alyshia M. Dyer wrote in a news release that the investigation will examine the force used, statements made at the scene, tactics and overall conduct of the deputies involved.
The incident began as deputies responded to a reported felonious domestic assault involving a potentially armed and barricaded suspect.
According to the sheriff’s office, a vehicle entered the secured perimeter and failed to stop when directed by deputies. Deputies deployed a tire-deflation device before approaching the driver.
Body camera footage showed a deputy ordering the driver to the ground before physical contact occurred. The driver fell forward and was handcuffed. The Sheriff’s office acknowledged video appearing to show the driver’s head striking a curb, but said its review of the available footage does not clearly establish contact with the curb.
Deputies later determined the driver was not the suspect they were seeking and was arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated and other conduct related to entering the secured scene and failing to stop.
Dyer said the department will not reach conclusions about the deputies until the investigation is complete.
This is an ongoing investigation.
