Canton Police Officer Fired Following Controversial Incident of Excessive Force
In a significant move reflecting ongoing concerns about police behavior, The City of Canton has terminated the employment of Detective Brandon Momirov following an incident that sparked outrage and scrutiny. The decision comes almost a month after a viral video surfaced of the body cam footage showing Momirov kicking 21-year-old Jaemiier McElroy while he was kneeling with his hands raised. The Canton Police Department’s Director of Public Safety, Andrea Perry, confirmed that Momirov violated the department’s Use of Force protocols, underscoring the need for accountability within law enforcement.
Canton Mayor William Sherer addressed the situation in a statement, emphasizing that the behavior displayed in the video was unacceptable. He acknowledged the challenging work that law enforcement officers undertake but stressed that respect for the police must be accompanied by a commitment to professionalism. “Today, Detective Brandon Momirov’s employment within the Canton Police Department was terminated,” Sherer stated. “While I respect our officers who put their lives on the line each day to protect this community, that respect comes with much responsibility and commitment; commitment to be held to the utmost level of professionalism regardless of the circumstances.” He expressed his support for the decision made by Perry and reiterated the city’s commitment to ensuring that Canton moves forward in a positive direction.
The events unfolded on the night of August 24 near the Mahoning Manor apartment complex on Morris Avenue Northeast. Officers responded to a call reporting an altercation involving a large group of individuals. Upon arriving, law enforcement reported that multiple suspects fled the scene. However, several individuals including McElroy, were found and ordered to the ground. Notably, police later stated that McElroy “appeared to be complying” with their commands prior to the incident in question.
The body camera footage released by police five days after the incident shows a chaotic scene. An officer, having pursued a suspect allegedly armed with a firearm, approached McElroy and four others in a parking lot. The officer can be heard requesting backup, stating, “I got five at gunpoint in this parking lot not really complying.” When Momirov arrived, he was seen running towards McElroy, who was on his knees with his hands raised, and kicking him in the chest. In a disturbing exchange captured on the video, Momirov justified his actions by stating, “Because he’s not complying,” despite the visual evidence suggesting otherwise. This incident has raised serious questions about the use of force in policing.
Following the incident, Perry convened a pre-disciplinary hearing on September 13, where evidence was examined, including the body camera footage. The findings indicated that while officers were issuing commands to the suspects, Momirov acted impulsively and failed to employ de-escalation techniques. Perry noted that Momirov’s actions were entirely inconsistent with the training and protocols established by the Canton Police Department. Perry detailed that Momirov did not provide verbal commands prior to the use of physical force, which is a critical component of police training aimed at minimizing confrontations. She stated, “Detective Momirov’s actions are completely outside the realm of his training and the policies of the City of Canton.”
Bobby DiCello, the attorney representing McElroy, expressed outrage after viewing the body camera footage, describing the incident as “disgusting” and indicative of a failure in law enforcement leadership. He argued that there exists a pervasive double standard in how law enforcement treats individuals based on race. “When law enforcement fails to see us as human beings, anything is possible,” Dicello remarked, pointing to the troubling reality faced by many in communities of color.
McElroy himself faces charges of obstruction and resisting arrest, despite evidence suggesting he was complying with the police commands. This has further fueled the narrative of injustice and highlighted the ongoing struggle against police brutality that many activist and community members have been vocal about in recent years.
The termination of Detective Momirov serves as a reminder of the critical need for accountability within police departments and the importance of upholding ethical standards in law enforcement. As the Canton community grapples with the implications of this incident, it underscores the urgent call for systemic change to ensure that policing practices prioritize the safety and dignity of all individuals. The incident has ignited discussions about police reform, community trust, and the need for a more nuanced approach to law enforcement that prioritizes de-escalation and respect for human rights. As the conversation continues, it remains clear that the fight against police brutality is far from over.
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