DETROIT – The Detroit Police Board of Commissioners voted Thursday to suspend without pay an officer who shot a woman six times during a traffic stop, supporting the police chief’s recommendation.
Much of the conversation between commissioners happened during closed session.
The decision comes two weeks after the incident, which began as a routine traffic stop for speeding, tinted windows, and an obscured license plate.
The officer, who has served with the department for one year and nine months and has no prior citizen complaints, faces potential criminal charges as the investigation continues.
According to police Chief Todd Bettison, the woman survived the shooting with non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at a local hospital before being released.
During the meeting, one of the board commissioners expressed concerns about other officers involved in the arrest and pursuit.
--> Detroit NAACP leader responds to police shooting, urges accountability, better training
The deputy chief indicated that additional officers may face scrutiny, telling reporters that the board “may see others down the road.”
The department is withholding the body camera footage until the county prosecutor decides on potential charges.
The Michigan State Police is leading the investigation through its Homicide Task Force.
The chief previously stated that multiple policy violations occurred, including failure to call a supervisor when requested and improper vehicle pursuit procedures.
One of the commissioners also asked DPD’s Assistant Chief about the other officers involved in the incident.
The assistant chief responded by saying the investigation is ongoing and that the board “may see other [officers] down the road.”
DPD has not released the body camera video of the incident.