Sixth Memphis police officer, Preston Hemphill, suspended over Tire Nichols death

MEMPHIS – The Memphis Police Department confirmed Monday that a sixth officer has been suspended in connection with the death of Tire Nichols.

Earlier this month, the department fired five officers, who were fired shortly after they were furloughed, and were charged last week with second-degree murder in connection with Mr. Nichols’ death. A sixth officer, Preston Hemphill, has been placed on administrative leave; it is unclear exactly what role he played in the encounter.

A spokesman for the department confirmed on Monday that Mr. Hemphill was suspended the same day other officers were suspended.

The policeman kicked Mr. On the night of Jan. 12, Nichols was pepper sprayed on the head and repeatedly hit with a baton after pulling him to the side of the road for alleged reckless driving. 7, even though he showed no signs of fighting back in a video of the incident released Friday. gentlemen. Nichols, a 29-year-old black man, died in hospital three days after the encounter.

Credit…REUTERS Memphis Police Department

One of four videos of the encounter released by the city on Friday, labeled Video 1, came from the Hemphill officer’s body camera, Lee Gerald, an attorney for the Hemphill officer, said in a statement.

“He never showed up at the second scene,” said police officers who caught up with him at the scene. Mr Nichols beat him hard after a brief chase. Gerald spoke of Constable Hemphill. He added that his client “is cooperating with officials on this investigation.”

Others involved Jan. 7 encounters have also been canceled for duty. The Memphis Fire Department suspended two emergency medical technicians who were treating Mr. Memphis. The department’s spokeswoman, Qwanesha Ward Nichols, said on Friday, adding that an investigation into their conduct is expected to be completed this week.

Two Shelby County sheriff’s deputies have been relieved pending an investigation into their involvement in the encounter, Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. said Friday night.

This is a developing story. Check for updates.

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