Crime

Detroit Officer Fired and Charged in Federal Court for Violating Civil Rights, Assaulting Black Man

Published

July 12, 2023

An incident involving a suburban Detroit officer has led to federal charges being filed against him for violating the civil rights of a young Black man. He was also fired from service. (Photo: Black Wall Street Times)

An incident involving a suburban Detroit officer has led to federal charges being filed against him for violating the civil rights of a young Black man. He was also fired from service.

The video evidence clearly shows Detroit Officer Rodriguez engaging in a verbal exchange with Smith before suddenly striking him in the face, causing him to fall to the floor. (Photo: NZ Herald)

Detroit Officer Assaults Black Man

Matthew Rodriguez, a Detroit officer, stands accused of assaulting Jaquwan Smith during an altercation that took place at the Warren police station on June 13, the Associated Press reported.

The incident was captured on video which has sparked outrage and calls for justice.

Yesterday, the criminal complaint against Detroit officer Rodriguez was unsealed in federal court.

The video evidence clearly shows Detroit Officer Rodriguez engaging in a verbal exchange with Smith before suddenly striking him in the face, causing him to fall to the floor. The Detroit officer then proceeded to slam Smith’s head onto the ground.

Fortunately, other Warren officers present at the scene immediately intervened and promptly reported the incident to their superiors. As stated in a court filing, Smith had already been searched for weapons, indicating that there was no imminent threat to the officer’s safety.

FBI agent Brent Nida, who filed an affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, stated, “The victim was not in an aggressive stance, and his hands were by his side with his thumbs in his pants.”