By John Dobberstein, Editor
The internal investigations of two separate incidents that led to five Broken Arrow police officers being placed on leave has been completed and 2 officers could face discipline, Broken Arrow City Manager Michael Spurgeon said.
Broken Arrow Police Chief Brandon Berryhill has turned over the findings of the department’s internal investigation to Spurgeon, who told KRMG during his regular radio show appearance that he plans to review the findings early this coming week before making a decision on any discipline.
If Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 170, which represents the police officers, files a grievance objecting to the punishment then the city and FOP could go to arbitration.
The two incidents in question that led to the officers’ suspensions happened in May. In the first incident, in what Spurgeon described on the show as alleged “illegal entry,” Broken Arrow police responding to a parking violation case entered a man’s home and arrested him after he would not produce his ID and attempted to shut the front door.
An officer pushed the door open and the man was laid on the ground and handcuffed. Shortly after he was helped to his feet and escorted by two officers to a patrol vehicle.
The entire incident was caught an officer’s body camera and the video was made public. On it, one of the officers was heard voicing his contempt for the man, saying he would be glad to take him to jail.
The man who was arrested has reportedly had numerous confrontations with neighbors. On the day the incident occurred a landscape worker said the man ones him in the chest during a verbal altercation. The suspect claimed a landscaping trailer was blocking his driveway but it was not.
The man arrested was later released from police custody without charges.
Police and city officials have not provided much detail on the second case. Two sources that requested anonymity have told the Sentinel it centers around the theft of ammunition from a house where an eviction had taken place.
Spurgeon said only 1 of the 4 officers connected to the incident is facing potential discipline as a result of the internal probe.
Spurgeon said once he makes his decision on the fate of the 2 officers he would explain it to the public.
Bryan says
My friend is a Captain for BAPD and a President for the FOP. My mom’s neighbor is one of the 4 officers involved in the alleged “theft.” According to my friend, the Captain at BAPD, the info on this case is not correct.
John Dobberstein says
We reached out on Saturday to the BAPD to ask about this and did not receive a reply. If someone comes forward with verifiable information we are happy to speak with them.
Jerry says
So the information from the “two anonymous sources” was “verifiable” so you printed that?? Got it.
RSS says
Thank you!