TPD OFFICERS ON LEAVE AFTER VIOLENT ARRESTS

Tuscaloosa Police Department is receiving national attention after videos surfaced from violent arrests over a noise violation from over the weekend. The University of Alabama students arrested have been identified as Brandon Williford arrested on charges of obstructing governmental operations and resisting arrest, Matthew Macia arrested on charges of obstructing governmental operations and harassment and Caroline Giddis arrested on charges of obstructing governmental operations and harassment.
In the videos, it appears officers used force to pull the students from the apartment and then used a taser and baton once they were outside.
In a press conference held by Tuscaloosa Police Department, Chief Steve Anderson confirmed three TPD officers have been put on paid administrative leave for their actions during the arrests.
They are: the initial officer who responded to the scene, who’s been with the department for eight years, the officer who used the taser, who’s been with the department for 12 years and the officer who used the baton.
He’s only been with TPD for 2 years.
Anderson says when he saw the videos, he was deeply disturbed and disappointed by the way the officers handled themselves.
Anderson tells WVUA 23 some officers were wearing body cameras. That video is a part of the internal investigation that has already begun. He wants to encourage people this was an isolated incident and says no one should hesitate to contact TPD with their emergencies.