The man seen on video being beaten by police during his arrest in New Hampshire will return to MA to face criminal charges, and two state troopers have been relieved of their duty. “We will be investigating to determine what force was used, by whom, and if it was appropriate under the law”, Senior Assistant Attorney General Jeffery Strelzin wrote to the newspaper on Wednesday. He said any determination on criminal charges would be made by the state attorney general’s office pending the investigation.
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Police say Simone lead state troopers on a chase yesterday afternoon that began in Holden and continued for more than 50 miles – at times reaching speeds of almost 100 miles per hour – and finally ended in Nashua, N.H. “Once the investigation has reached a point where the release of the names would not impact the integrity of the investigation, a further press release with the names will be issued”.
Investigations into the chase and arrest have since been announced in both New Hampshire and MA. “However, we will not know the complete facts and circumstances surrounding this event until the investigation by an independent agency is concluded”.
“The unnecessary, unjustified use of force will not be tolerated by this agency”, he added. The trooper, who was not identified, has been relieved of duty and faces a hearing tomorrow that will determine whether or not he is suspended. It’s unclear where and when he’ll be arraigned, but it will likely be in New Hampshire first.
The use of excessive force by law enforcement has become the focus of national debates, particularly in light of the high-profile killings of African-Americans by mainly white officers over the last several years.
A Fox25 helicopter news team followed the pursuit, capturing the arrest on video.
An eight-page policy from state police defines a motor vehicle pursuit as justified “when the necessity of the apprehension of a suspect outweighs the risk created by the pursuit”. Leary said MA authorities have until May 25 to transfer Simone to Worcester, where he will face multiple charges, including assault and battery with a risky weapon, failure to stop for police and larceny.
The chase began when Simone, 50, refused to stop for local police in Holden, Massachusetts. The Massachusetts State Police took over the chase that reached speeds of over 100 miles per hour at times and New Hampshire troopers joined once it crossed over the state line.
One review will be a standard probe of the pursuit of Simone, Procopio said.
While court documents do not highlight the arrest or police beating, they do state that Simone was eventually taken into custody by Sgt. Clark Gaphardt of the Nashua Police Department. “He was taken for booking by Nashua Police”.
Helicopter video showed the pickup truck stopped next to a utility pole on a dead-end street before police officers surrounded it with their weapons drawn. At least two officers can be seen repeatedly punching him while others hold him down, including one who places his knee on the man’s neck.
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“The footage from yesterday raises serious concerns, and I have been in contact with the Attorney General and the Commissioner of Safety”, New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan said in a statement today.
