A former San Carlos Apache Police Department officer was charged in an indictment alleging use of excessive force and falsification of an arrest report, according to a news release by the United States Department of Justice.
According to the indictment, 29-year-old Christoper Slawson punched an arrestee who was already handcuffed in the back of a police vehicle and knocked him unconscious. The indictment then claims he yanked him out of the police car and caused the arrestee to split his head open on the concrete.
The indictment also alleges that Slawson falsified the report of a fellow detective by adding false and misleading information upon learning he was under investigation for excessive force.
If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison.
The San Carlos Apache Police Department provided the following statement:
The San Carlos Apache Police Department would like to address the recent charges involving former officer Jacob Christopher Slawson.
Once the Department became aware of the reported incident, an internal review was initiated. Department personnel identified anomalies and concerns, promptly notified the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Slawson was placed on administrative leave.
The FBI conducted an investigation, and members of the Department fully cooperated. Their cooperation helped lead to the charges filed against Slawson.
Slawson was later dismissed prior to completing his probationary period for unrelated policy violations.
The Department has also initiated a review of its policies, procedures, and services. This ongoing process is intended to strengthen Department operations and ensure the highest standards of law enforcement service. Appropriate changes will be made as necessary, and additional information will be shared when the review is completed.
The Department remains committed to transparency, accountability, professionalism, and serving the San Carlos Apache community with integrity.
