WESTLAND, Mich. (WXYZ) — Westland Police Chief Jeff Jedrusik released officer and police dash camera footage that prompted the termination of an officer following a report by 7 Action News.
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The chaotic video shows a man struck multiple times by an officer's expandable baton.
Several officers were surrounding the man who apparently has developmental disabilities. The video also shows the man's face is covered in blood.
Officers claim they did not know he had a disability during the arrest.
Jedrusik gave 7 Action News three videos only showing minutes of the violent altercation.
The altercation took place on January 16. Officers were dispatched to an Arby's on a reported armed robbery, according to Jedrusik.
The suspect was identified running from police near the Westcrest Apartments and taken into custody.
Jedrusik fired one of the responding officers for excessive use of force during the arrest. Officer Kristopher Landis used his collapsible baton causing a severe injury to the victim's eye and bruises to his face.
The ex-officer Landis had a criminal background before his swearing-in ceremony with the chief and city's mayor.
A news release sent to 7 Action News said:
In accordance with Department policy, the Chief of Police placed that officer involved on administrative leave while an internal investigation was conducted. At the conclusion of that internal investigation it was determined that the officer used excessive force on the arrested suspect and that he did not adhere to Department policy or training. This officer’s employment was terminated from the Westland Police Department. The Westland Police Department immediately contacted the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office and advised them of the incident and that a criminal investigation would also taking place.
Officer Landis was arrested for driving while intoxicated off-duty in 2013. He crashed into a parked car in South Lyon. At the time, he was employed with the Farmington Hills Police Department.
There was a protest outside Westland City Hall on Friday.
Pastor Edward Pruett led a group around the building as they chanted and held signs. He is calling for the resignation of Chief Jedrusik and Westland Mayor Bill Wild.
"Because of the lack of transparency," said Pruett.
7 Action News will continue to follow developments in this story.
