DAYTON, Ohio– A Dayton police officer is under investigation following a September 30 incident in which he forcefully pulled a paraplegic man from his vehicle, throwing him to the ground.
According to reports, officers were patrolling the area of West Grand Avenue after being alerted to narcotics activity at a nearby residence.
During their patrol officers, stopped a white Audi, seen leaving the suspected drug house.
Dayton police officials said the officers approached the vehicle and made contact with the driver, Clifford Owensby. Police say Owensby had a history of drug and weapons charges. A K-9 Unit, according to police, was also requested to the scene.
Officers approached Owensby’s car and asked him to get out of the vehicle. Officials with the Dayton Police Department stated that it is their policy to have the occupants exit their vehicle for “the safety and the safety of the K-9 officer.”
Clifford Owensby, shown in bodycam footage, told officers he was a “paraplegic” and could not step out of the vehicle.
Bodycam from the incident shows Owensby repeatedly asked officers to have their supervisor come to the scene. Police told Owensby that they would as soon as he exited the vehicle.
Officers reported that they attempted to remove him from the car when he grabbed the steering wheel. That is when, according to police reports, officers forcefully pulled him from his vehicle, throwing him to the ground.
Police handcuffed Owensby and transported him to the hospital for evaluation. Officers said they found a bag containing nearly $23,000 in cash within the vehicle and an unstrained 3-year-old-child.
Clifford Owensby received a citation for child restraint and excessive window tint. He was also charged with resisting arrest, and obstructing official business, both misdemeanor offenses.
The Mayor of Dayton, and gubernatorial candidate, Nan Whaley, told the media that “the video of this police interaction is very concerning.” Whaley went on to say, “that is why, immediately following this incident, the city released the body camera footage”.
Dayton NAACP President Derrick Foward said in a statement, “to pull this man out of the car, by his hair, a paraplegic, is unacceptable, inhumane, a puts the city of Dayton in a bad light.”
There has been no indication by authorities as to when the investigation may conclude.
Bodycam of the incident can be viewed by clicking here. Viewer discretion is advised.
