02282002 - Officer David Mitchell - Domestic Abuse And Obstructing Police Officer - Suspended - Detroit PD

DETROIT COP GETS SUSPENSION
March 1, 2002 •• 445 words •• ID: 0203010503. Detroit Free Press

A Detroit police officer was suspended without pay Thursday for allegedly assaulting a woman and a Southfield police officer who was dispatched to help her during a recent domestic incident. Detroit Officer David Mitchell, 39, of the 9th (Gratiot) Precinct is accused of domestic violence and resisting and obstructing a police officer, both misdemeanors, in connection with an incident Saturday at a North Park Drive apartment in Southfield. The charges were read Thursday at a Detroit Police.











BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
Minutes of the Regular Board of Police Commissioners Meeting
Thursday, February 28, 2002
The regular meeting of the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners was held on Thursday, February 21, 2002, at 3:00 p.m., at Police Headquarters, 1300 Beaubien – Rm. 328-A, Detroit, MI 48226.

SECRETARY REPORT– EX. DIR. MCDONALD

Suspension

On February 28, 2002, Police Officer David Mitchell, badge 2278, assigned to the Ninth Precinct was suspended without pay by Chief of Police Jerry A. Oliver, Sr.

On February 23, 2002, Sergeant Melvin Williams, badge S-63, of the Internal Affairs Unit Alert Team, was notified by Sergeant Arthur Williams, badge S-1293, of the Notification and Control Unit, that off-duty Police Officer David Mitchell, badge 2278, assigned to the Ninth Precinct, was arrested by the Southfield Police Department for "Assault and Battery/Domestic Violence" and "Resisting and Obstructing a Police Officers in the Performance of Their Duties." Sergeant Williams was informed that Officer Mitchell was incarcerated at the Oakland County Jail.

On February 23, 2002, Police Officer Walter Menzel, and Police Officer Autumm Kennedy, both of the Southfield Police Department responded to a hang up 911 call for assistance. Ms. Pamela Reid, B/F/38, of 16300 North Park Drive Apt #613, informed the Southfield officers that she and Officer Mitchell had an argument and Officer Mitchell threatened to kill her if she reported the incident to the police. Ms. Reid also reported that Officer Mitchell struck her and threw her onto a computer table breaking the table. She further stated that Officer Mitchell grabbed her hair pulling parts of her hair out. When she attempted to call 911 for help Officer Mitchell yanked the phone from the wall. Officer Menzel and Officer Kennedy both observed Ms. Reid’s hair on the bedroom floor and the broken computer table. Officer Menzel and Officer Kennedy observed a weapon on the couch of the house.

They attempted to secure the weapon while they were conducting their investigation. Officer Mitchell blocked the officers attempt to secure his .9mm semi-automatic weapon. Officer Mitchell ran toward the gun and sat on it. Officer Mitchell was ordered to step away from the gun and he replied, "Nobody is going to take my gun, call a supervisor. I’m not giving you my gun." Officer Mitchell at one point flexed his right arm while sitting on the gun and the Southfield officers stepped toward him to secure the gun. Once Officer Menzel secured the gun, Officer Mitchell with a closed fist struck Officer Menzel in the face several times.

The Southfield officers attempted to subdue Officer Mitchell who then grabbed the face of Officer Menzel and with his forefinger attempted to stick his thumb into his eye. Officer Mitchell was sprayed with pepper spray. Officer Mitchell continued his attempt to injure Officer Menzel and he was sprayed again a second time until it took effect. Officer Menzel suffered abrasions to his left cheek and throat and obvious swelling and soreness to the left jaw and he was bleeding. Officer Mitchell was arrested and conveyed to the Oakland County Jail for incarceration. Ms. Reid and Officer Menzel were treated for their injuries at Providence Hospital. Photographs were also taken.

On February 25, 2002, Officer Mitchell was arraigned before Magistrate Eugene Friedman, of the46th District Court. Officer Mitchell stood mute and a plea of "Not Guilty," was entered in his behalf a $5000.00 (10%) bond was posted. Officer Mitchell’s Pre-examination date is scheduled for February 28, 2002, and his Examination date is scheduled for March 4, 2002.

It should be noted that Commander Frazier Shaw, of the Ninth Precinct stated that due to the seriousness of the charges against Officer Mitchell that upon his return to work he will be suspended. Officer Menzel and Officer Kennedy of the Southfield Police department confiscated and placed on evidence two privately owned weapons belonging to Officer Mitchell. Officer Mitchell department approved weapon was not confiscated by the Southfield Police Department.
On February 25, 2002, at approximately 5:30 p.m. Officer Mitchell appeared at the Ninth Precinct and was suspended by his command.

Based upon the above facts, it is recommended that Officer Mitchell be charged with, but not limited to, the following violation of the Detroit Police Rules and Regulations:
CHARGE: CONDUCT UNBECOMING AN OFFICER

Unless contravened by this Commission, the suspension without pay will stand.
There were no contraventions to the above suspension.
CITIZEN COMPLAINTS RECEIVED
2002
2001

During the past week: 24
During the past week: 19

Year to Date: 159
Year to Date: 133

Chairperson Head asked what happened to the officer’s own revolver or his 9mm? Was it confiscated later?
Chief Oliver stated he did not know.