Top Colwyn cop out over in-cell Tasering
The acting head of the Colwyn Borough Police Department was suspended today while borough and county officials investigate an incident involving a juvenile who was Tasered while handcuffed in a holding cell at the department.
Top Colwyn cop out over in-cell Tasering
Stephanie Farr
The acting head of the Colwyn Borough Police Department was suspended today while borough and county officials investigate an incident involving a juvenile who was Tasered while handcuffed in a holding cell at the department.
Deputy Chief Wendell Reed is the second person to be suspended for the April 24 incident, said Mayor Daniel Rutland. The officer who allegedly administered the shock, Cpl. Trevor Parham, was suspended earlier this week and a third officer who was allegedly present when it occurred is expected to be suspended as well, according to sources and Rutland.
State police were called to the scene today for back up as Rutland delivered the news to Reed, but Reed left on his own accord.
Detectives with Delaware County's Criminal Investigation Division, who act as Internal Affairs investigators for the county's police departments, were also on scene and removed computers and a Taser from the department.
Rutland said no documentation of the incident was made and the proper procedures were not followed. He said he only found out about it after receiving calls from concerned citizens. He said the only person from the department to notify him was Lt. Wesley Seitz, who will now act as head of the department.
Rutland said "there was word" that Reed had been planning to suspend Seitz today for investigating the incident and reporting it.
The suspect posed no threat,he was hand cuffed and in a cell. No excuse for this behavior. Again we have a case of too much authority going to their heads thinking they are above the law while breaking it.— marcie- The mayor was worried enough that he brought State Police as backup to tell the guy he is suspended? That speaks volumes, doesn't it.— Jen D
Comment removed.- Why was he handcuffed AND in a cell. If he was in a cell AND handcuffed the young man must have been pretty aggressive. He also is on video indicating he had two sets of handcuffs on. That is either for really big people or really disruptive people.— criminal justice prof
- Nothing will ever change in these various police depts until these cops are locked up in jail with the rest of the criminals.— Taxpaying Voter
- Cops are such tough guys in large groups— DogfightingAficionado
