Police officers were pursuing a vehicle a possible burglary suspect was driving. The officers had no information to suggest the suspect was armed. One police officer was some distance away from the pursuit, but as the suspect’s vehicle approached, that officer exited his vehicle, and fired 18 rounds into the suspect’s vehicle. Neither the suspect nor any other individual was hit or injured, and the pursuit continued.
The police department investigated the officer’s conduct, and found that it violated numerous department policies. The surveillance video footage did not corroborate the officer’s testimony or justification for his actions.
The police department terminated the officer, and the officer appealed the termination to the civil service commission. Through written briefing and a hearing, Jeff convinced the commission that the officer’s policy violations and willful disregard for safety constituted grounds for discipline. The police officer then appealed to the city council. After consideration during a closed session, the city council too upheld the officer’s termination and civil service commission’s ruling.