Indiana cop assaults wheelchair-bound man, keeps job, faces no charges

[damnedifIknow]

LAFAYETTE, IN — An officer has been allowed to keep his job and face no legal consequences after accosting a paralyzed and dumping him out of his wheelchair into the street.

The incident occurred on October 1, 2013. Some Lafayette police officers had just finished issuing a warning to 25-year-old Nicholas Kincade, who requires a motorized scooter for mobility."

Nicholas Kincade’s with facial cuts following the attack.

Kincade had been dismissed, and began slowly rolling down the sidewalk. His wheel inadvertently grazed Lt. Tom Davidson’s foot.

Davidson’s fury erupted in an instant. With both hands he plowed into the paralyzed man, sending him sprawling helplessly onto the pavement.

“You did not drive over me, f*****!!” Davidson barked. “Now you’re going to jail. Now you’re going to jail.”

Officers swarmed the man as he lie awkwardly in the street. Mr. Kincade attempted to explain it was all an accident.

The incident was captured on dash-cam video, which has finally been released after 9 months."

Video at link: http://www.policestateusa.com/2014/nicholas-kincade/#prettyPhoto

[Ilsa]

1. Thank goodness he doesn't have support of dept.

Unlike so many hot-headed, abusive officers, Tom Davidson did not receive the backing of his superiors.  Police Chief Patrick Flannelly and six members of the command staff unanimously agreed that Davidson used excessive force and conduct unbecoming a police officer — and should be fired.  However, the department was unable to terminate Davidsonwhen a civilian review board blocked the decision and opted to keep him on staff following a 30-day suspension and a demotion.

Maybe he'll quit since they are on to him.

This level of disrespect towards a citizen should have gotten him fired.

[damnedifIknow]

2. Fired yes

but also prosecuted. It's way past time to hold people like this accountable.

[SamKnause]

3. The police department said

he should be fired.

5 civilians sided with the "officer".

What the fuck is wrong with the civilians in this country ????

No charges were filed against the "officer".

[Gidney N Cloyd]

4. Here's info about the citizen board:

Formed in 1971 to prevent political abuse, seems like there's still a lot of room for it. Emphasis in the excerpt below is mine.

http://www.lafayette.in.gov/egov/docs/1208281556262.htm
Prior to 1971 police officers were often appointed to the department or promoted within the department as a result of political party affiliation. In an effort to place the police department outside the influences of political patronage and on a more professional plane the Lafayette City Council created the Lafayette Police Civil Service Commission (commonly referred to as Police Merit Board) in June 1971.

Pursuant to the authority granted by a change in Indiana Code 1971-19-1-14.5 a five-member board comprised of citizens from Lafayette was selected. Current members are (from left to right) Dr. Tom Gripe, Rick Hobbs, Nancy Nargi, Jack Walkey, and Bob Siemers. The sworn officers of the police department elect two members of the commission, two are appointed by the city council and the mayor appoints one. Members serve staggered 4-year terms.

[SamKnause]

5. Thank you.

That explains a lot.