FLORENCE COUNTY, SC (WBTW) – The Florence County sheriff responded to recent allegations, supported by Al Sharpton’s group and the local NAACP, against two deputies.
“We did nothing wrong,” Sheriff Kenney Boone said on Thrusday about the allegations of excessive force. The sheriff said suspect Tyler Fleming, of Marion, clearly resisted arrest and was not in need of any medical attention.
“The officers are shown on the video holding the suspect’s head and his face off of the pavement to prevent injury,” Boone said. “The suspect continued to verbally threaten to kill the officers as he was taken into custody.”
See text of Sheriff Boone’s statement below.
On Feb. 20, the National Action Network, headed by the Rev. Al Sharpton, asked for the resignation of the deputies. Group leaders said they are prepared to launch a full investigation into the department, “looking at their racial profiling here in Florence County and their police brutality.”
The press conference was held after the Florence County Sheriff’s Office released a statement regarding photos and videos showing an encounter between Tyler Fleming and a deputy.
- Al Sharpton’s group asks for resignation
- Raw Video of Encounter (warning: contains language that may be offensive)
The Florence County chapter of the NAACP also wants a full investigation into the incident. “South Carolina Law Enforcement Division[SLED] must be involved to expel any thought of prejudice of the local Sheriff’s internal investigation,” the chapter issued in a statement on Thursday.
Text of Sheriff Boone’s announcement:
“We asked our investigative division to open an investigation immediately that day.
“From the first day we actively sought and requested any video, any other evidence that would show this event, the only video we have seen is the one published on social media. And that video is even limited.
“Based on our review of the incident, I have determined our officers did nothing wrong. Our investigation reveals that the suspect in this case physically resisted the officer’s lawful attempts to arrest. And for the safety of the officers, was taken to the ground until further backup could arrive.
“The officers are shown on the video holding the suspect’s head and his face off of the pavement to prevent injury. There was no choke hold. At no time was the subject struck, hit, punched, kicked or Tased.
“In addition to video, an audio shows that the suspect’s airway was not obstructed and he was able to yell profanities heard a considerable distance away while on the ground.
“When the suspect stood up, he was capable of standing and walking and did not request, nor was he in need of any medical attention whatsoever.
“The suspect continued to verbally threaten to kill the officers as he was taken into custody.
“Officers sought and obtained arrest warrants charging with breach of peace, resisting arrest, and threatening the life of public employees. The judicial process will determine these charges.
“We will have no further comment on them unless any additional evidence is forthcoming. Our investigation is concluded.”
*WARNING: This raw video contains language that may be offensive to some:
