Post by WaTcHeR on Apr 6, 2006 13:00:03 GMT -5
04/06/2006 - PROVIDENCE, R.I. --A Providence police patrolman released a man accused of assaulting another police officer because his shift had ended and there was no one else to guard the suspect.
Patrolman Roland Reed, who has two years of experience, has accepted undisclosed discipline for his actions last month, Deputy Police Chief Paul Kennedy said Wednesday.
"Obviously, we don't condone those types of actions," Kennedy said.
Reed was assigned to guard Willie Gray, 46, who was accused of assaulting another police officer who broke up a domestic disturbance.
An officer tackled Gray during a scuffle, causing Gray to hit his head and cut his face, police said. Gray was taken to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment, and Reed was guarding him.
When Reed's shift ended at 7 a.m., his replacement hadn't arrived, and he released Reed.
By the time the officer's replacement showed up, the prisoner was nowhere to be found. Other police officers eventually located Gray and re-arrested him.
Reed should have at least issued Gray a summons requiring him to appear at police headquarters or court, Kennedy said.
Gray was charged with simple assault and resisting arrest. There was no telephone listing for Reed.
Patrolman Roland Reed, who has two years of experience, has accepted undisclosed discipline for his actions last month, Deputy Police Chief Paul Kennedy said Wednesday.
"Obviously, we don't condone those types of actions," Kennedy said.
Reed was assigned to guard Willie Gray, 46, who was accused of assaulting another police officer who broke up a domestic disturbance.
An officer tackled Gray during a scuffle, causing Gray to hit his head and cut his face, police said. Gray was taken to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment, and Reed was guarding him.
When Reed's shift ended at 7 a.m., his replacement hadn't arrived, and he released Reed.
By the time the officer's replacement showed up, the prisoner was nowhere to be found. Other police officers eventually located Gray and re-arrested him.
Reed should have at least issued Gray a summons requiring him to appear at police headquarters or court, Kennedy said.
Gray was charged with simple assault and resisting arrest. There was no telephone listing for Reed.