Officer allegedly handcuffs, throws down Phoenix councilman
Posted: 03/19/2010
PHOENIX – Police have identified an
officer who allegedly handcuffed and pushed a Phoenix city
councilman to the ground early Friday.
Police say that around 4 a.m. Councilman Michael Johnson was checking on neighbors whose south Phoenix home had caught fire.
Johnson said in a statement he had permission from a fire battalian chief to speak with the neighbor, but he was stopped by the officer who allegedly handcuffed Johnson and threw him face down in the middle of the street.
Phoenix Police Sgt. Trent Crump identified the officer as 27-year-old Brian Authement, who has been with the department since March 2008.
Johnson, a retired police officer, said he was not confrontational or disrespectful when the alleged excessive force was used.
“I am humiliated and in complete disbelief about what just transpired,” Johnson said.
Phoenix police said an investigation into the incident is underway.
Crump said Johnson was released once a supervisor arrived on scene.
Police say that around 4 a.m. Councilman Michael Johnson was checking on neighbors whose south Phoenix home had caught fire.
Johnson said in a statement he had permission from a fire battalian chief to speak with the neighbor, but he was stopped by the officer who allegedly handcuffed Johnson and threw him face down in the middle of the street.
Phoenix Police Sgt. Trent Crump identified the officer as 27-year-old Brian Authement, who has been with the department since March 2008.
Johnson, a retired police officer, said he was not confrontational or disrespectful when the alleged excessive force was used.
“I am humiliated and in complete disbelief about what just transpired,” Johnson said.
Phoenix police said an investigation into the incident is underway.
Crump said Johnson was released once a supervisor arrived on scene.
Copyright 2010 The E.W. Scripps Co. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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