In Beating, Tasering After High-Speed Chase
posted February 23, 2005
The Chattanooga Police Department has fired another officer and suspended two others involved in a beating and tasering of two men after a high-speed chase.
Last Sept. 11, Matthew Trent Jones and Jason McCollum were taken into custody following a vehicle pursuit that originated in Georgia and terminated at 2000 Market Street in the parking lot of Kanku’s Market.
After months of intensive investigations and a citizens review committee evaluation, charges were released today.
Officer Steve Campbell was terminated. Officer Michael Wenger was suspended for 28 days without pay. Sgt. Chad Sullivan was suspended for 10 days without pay.
Police Chief Steve Parks said, "These are good officers who made poor decisions."
Chief Parks said after persons are taken into custody "our job changes. We are to protect that person until we get them to where they are supposed to be taken."
The incident had been videotaped and was shown a number of times on local TV.
Police earlier terminated Officer Shane Webb and suspended Officer Ray Brantis for 28 days without pay. Officer Webb has appealed his dismissal to the City Council, his attorney, Johnny Houston, said.
Here is the disposition of all the cases:
- Officer Shane Webb - 5 years of service
Charges: Use of Force/Injury (Jason McCollum)
Use of Force/Injury (Trent Jones)
Treatment of Prisoners
Untruthfulness during an IA investigation
Failure to File Pursuit Report
All charges were sustained.
Termination of employment on 2/11/05.
He tased Jason McCollum two times. He also tased Mr. Jones. Mr. Jones was in handcuffs.
- Officer Steve Campbell – 4 years of service
Charges: Use of Force/Injury (Trent Jones)
Failure to File Reports – Pursuit Report
The charges were sustained.
Terminated effective 2/22/05.
Tased Trent Jones two times: once to the shoulder then, Mr. Jones moved and the taser touched the top of Mr. Jones’ head.
- Sergeant Chad Sullivan – 14 years of service
Charges: Neglect of Duty/Failure to Supervise
The charge was sustained.
Ten days suspension without pay.
- Officer Michael Wenger – 4 years of service
Charges: Use of Force/Injury (Trent Jones)
Neglect of Duty/Failure to Protect Prisoner
Failure to File Report/Pursuit Report
Failure to File Report/Use of Force
The charges were sustained.
Twenty-eight days suspension without pay.
Struck Trent Jones with his forearm to the eye area.
- Officer Ray Brantis – 7 years of service was named previously.
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