Wauwatosa Police released findings of an investigation into an arrest at Mayfair Mall where a teen was punched by a police officerduring the altercation.
In the report, the officer’s use of force was deemed justified, saying the officer “didn’t ‘put much behind’" the punches.
“After reviewing all the factors, videos, reports as well as talking with officers, I feel (the officer) was justified in using the technique and level of force he chose in order to get (the suspect) into custody,” the report said.
According to a news release, the suspect reportedly apologized to police officers, saying he understood why force was used, and that he should have stopped when told to do so.
He was cited for battery, resisting an officer and disorderly conduct.
Wauwatosa police also said they received notice of intent to file a civil lawsuit from an attorney representing the family. The department did not provide further comment on the lawsuit.
The lawyer for the family Matthew Pinix released the following statement Wednesday:
I am happy to have seen all the information disclosed by the police department and am hopeful that such transparency continues into the future. The public obviously has a right to know about the conduct of the people that it employs, including any prior or future incidents in which any police officer uses such force as was used against my client. In his case, the use of force went viral thanks to amateur video recording; but that will not be every case. Only through such transparency can there be accountability.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. The video in my client's case speaks for itself. And it speaks loudly.
At this time, the family continues to hope that its privacy will be respected.
