Detroit, Michigan – A Detroit police officer has been suspended without pay following a traffic stop that escalated into a shooting, leaving a woman wounded but alive. The Detroit Police Board of Commissioners voted Thursday to uphold the recommendation of Police Chief Todd Bettison to suspend the officer amid an ongoing investigation.
Routine Stop Turns Violent
The incident occurred two weeks ago when officers pulled over a woman for speeding, tinted windows, and an obscured license plate. What began as a routine traffic stop quickly spiraled into a dangerous confrontation when one officer fired six shots, striking the woman multiple times.
According to Chief Bettison, the woman suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at a local hospital before being released.
The officer, who has been with the Detroit Police Department (DPD) for one year and nine months, reportedly has no prior citizen complaints. However, he now faces potential criminal charges as the investigation continues.
Questions Raised Over Police Conduct
During Thursday’s Board of Commissioners meeting, most of the discussions took place behind closed doors. However, public comments revealed growing concerns about how the situation was handled.
One commissioner questioned the actions of additional officers involved in the pursuit and arrest, suggesting that others may face disciplinary review, as per ClickonDetroit.
“The board may see others down the road,” said Deputy Chief during a post-meeting briefing, hinting at possible repercussions for other members of the responding team.
Policy Violations and Withheld Footage
Chief Bettison confirmed that investigators found multiple policy violations, including:
- Failure to call a supervisor when requested
- Improper pursuit procedures during the incident
Despite mounting public pressure, DPD has not released the body camera footage, citing the ongoing criminal review. The Michigan State Police Homicide Task Force is leading the independent investigation into the officer’s conduct.
“The decision to withhold the footage lies with the county prosecutor,” Bettison noted. “Once their review concludes, we’ll follow all transparency protocols.”
Investigation Ongoing
The case remains under active investigation, with authorities reviewing whether the officer’s use of force was justified. Meanwhile, the suspension without pay marks a serious disciplinary step, reflecting the department’s recognition of the gravity of the incident.
Commissioners emphasized their commitment to accountability and transparency, promising further updates as the inquiry progresses.
Do you think the suspension without pay was the right call? Should the body camera footage be released to the public? Share your opinions in the comments below.
