BATTLE CREEK (WKZO AM/FM) — A mentally challenged Battle Creek man claims police used excessive force when they took him into custody.
Chief Jim Blocker says the officers were completely justified after 25-year-old Frederick Williams began acting aggressively, and then slugged one of the officers with his fist.
In the moments that followed, Williams was pepper sprayed and Tased but continued to struggle, grabbing for an officer’s pistol.
That’s when the officer slugged Williams and they were able to cuff him.
And when he continued to resist, they used a body wrap restraint device to immobilize Williams. He was treated and released and then jailed on multiple counts of resisting.
The NAACP has filed a civil rights complaint. Blocker says it was Williams behavior and not his race that prompted the police response.
There has been an internal investigation, and Blocker has requested a State Police review.
