A Louisiana police officer has been charged with aggravated battery and malfeasance in officer for allegedly tasing a suspect who called him a racial slur during a September arrest. According to legal documents obtained by KNEO-TV, Timothy Miller was arrested and charged “in connection with Miller’s use of a Taser on a suspect during an arrest on September 24, 2021,” the City of Monroe said in a statement on Oct. 29.
During the incident, Miller repeatedly asked the suspect to get into his police car. However, the unidentified person refused and attempted to give their phone to a nearby person. Miller the allegedly pulled out his taser and the suspect got into the car and started using racial slurs toward the officer. Miller responded by tasing the person. However, its still unknown what exactly was said to the cop after the suspect sat inside the vehicle.
The officer was placed on a three-day leave on Sept. 27, while Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office finished its investigation into Miller’s use of force The News-Star reported.
Monroe Police Chief Victor Zordan said in the statement that he acknowledged the difficulties of the job, and “every time they put on the uniform and are forced to react in tense, evolving circumstances,” he expects “nothing less than the highest levels of professionalism and integrity from our officers in the performance of their duties.”
“I will continue to hold officers accountable to these standards and take action where necessary to ensure that those standards are met” he added.
Mayor Friday Ellis told the news station. “I support the hard work and dedication of our officers who devote their lives to ensuring the safety of ours, but I expect all officers to operate within the bounds of the law. When officers step outside those bounds, they, like any other citizen, will be held accountable.”
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