In connection with Nichols's passing, five former Memphis police officers are accused of second-degree murder.
Tyre Nichols' death leaves 'stain' on officers, Memphis PD: James Craig
Tyre Nichols' death leaves 'stain' on officers, Memphis PD: James Craig
Following the passing of Tyre Nichols, the Memphis Police Department declared on Saturday that its "Scorpion Unit" had been permanently decommissioned.
Officials claim that the traffic stop on January 7 that resulted in Nichols' death at a nearby hospital days later involved members of the Scorpion Unit.
Memphis police released a statement saying that officers from the SCORPION Unit (Street Crimes Operations to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods) met with the department's chief today to "address the route forward for the department and the community in the wake of the unfortunate loss of Tyre Nichols."
It is in everyone's best interests to permanently disband the SCORPION Unit, according to the process of carefully listening to the Tyre Nichols family, local authorities, and the uninvolved cops who have performed well in their missions.
— Memphis Police Dept (@MEM_PoliceDept) January 28, 2023
"This following action is wholly supported by the officers who are now assigned to the unit. It is crucial that we, the Memphis Police Department, take proactive measures in the healing process for those impacted, despite the fact that the horrific deeds of a few shed a stain of disgrace on the title "SCORPION." "the police force reported.
TYRE NICHOLS DEATH: LAW ENFORCEMENT GROUP 'INFURIATED' BY ALLEGED ASSAULT DURING TRAFFIC STOP
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| Memphis Police Department Officers Demetrius Haley, Tadarrius Bean, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills and Justin Smith were terminated on Jan. 18 for their role in the arrest of deceased Tyre Nichols. (Memphis Police Department) |
After the event, five former Memphis police officers were dismissed, and they are now facing charges of second-degree murder and aggravated assault.
Nichols passed only a few days after being detained by Memphis police on January 7 for alleged "reckless driving." Nichols allegedly tried to flee the cops after a "confrontation" that happened during the traffic check, according to the authorities.
Nichols was involved in another altercation when the cops got up to him, and he later complained of having trouble breathing.
TYRE NICHOLS VIDEO: MEMPHIS AUTHORITIES RELEASE FOOTAGE FROM DEADLY TRAFFIC STOP
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| A Memphis police officer approaches the vehicle of Tyre Nichols on Jan. 7, 2023. (Memphis Police Department) |
Another altercation erupted as police tried to take the suspect into custody, but the subject was eventually caught, according to MPD. An ambulance was then called to the site when the suspect complained of having trouble breathing.
Nichols, who was in serious condition when he was transported to St. Francis Hospital in Memphis, passed away on January 10.
As authorities hauled Nichols out of the car during the traffic stop, he can be heard shouting, "I didn't do anything," on the body camera footage.
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| Tyre Nichols, shown in this photo given by the Nichols family, was known for having a passion for photography and was praised by friends for being happy and kind. On January 7, 2023, Nichols was pulled over by police in Memphis, Tennessee, only a short distance from his house, when he was then fatally beaten. Since then, second-degree murder and other felonies have been brought against five Memphis police officers. (Thanks to AP and the Nichols family) |
One of the officers adds, "Watch out, I'ma baton the f—- out you."
Police are shown hitting, kicking, and repeatedly bashing Nichols with a baton.
Michael Ruiz of Fox News and the Associated Press both contributed to this story.