Five Birmingham Police officers have been fired, after the discovery of a videotaped beating of a vehicle pursuit suspect.
In a news conference held today, Mayor Larry Langford and Police Chief A.C. Roper announced the firings, following an internal investigation.
The decisions come after a video captured officers beating on a suspect who was unconcious, after being ejected in a wreck, following a vehicle pursuit in January 2008.
The suspect, Anthony Warren, at the time of arrest had an extensive criminal record including convictions for theft, receiving stolen property, and escape.
UPDATE:
The following is a news release from the Birmingham Police Department:
The Birmingham Police Department reports today that five Birmingham Police Officers are under investigation in connection with the use of excessive force against a 37-year-old male suspect, which occurred on Friday, January 23, 2008, at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Birmingham Police Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop in Birmingham. The suspect failed to stop and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended in Hoover at I-459 and Highway 31. The incident was captured on video.
Chief A.C. Roper states, “The video was also troubling because these are seasoned veteran officers. In fact, we’ve terminated over 50 years of combined service due to 10 seconds of injustice. There are no winners in this situation. We have 5 officers who lost their jobs and a citizen who suffered unnecessarily.” Two officers served with the Birmingham Police Department twelve (12) years, the others served seven (7), eight (8), and thirteen (13) years respectively.
Chief Roper also states, “In addition to these terminations, we’re also reviewing our supervisor’s actions, reporting mechanisms and policies.”
This incident is still under investigation.
View the photo to see Warren's mugshot at the time of arrest.
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