The Columbus Division of Police has removed an officer from his patrol for “inappropriate and unprofessional comments” following an arrest earlier this month.
Police said the comments were heard after a review of body camera footage from the arrest of Timothy Davis.
It does not appear the officer in the footage was involved in the arrest of Davis, according to police.
"I am appalled by the statements made by this officer," Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs said in a released statement. "They are not consistent with the training of our officers. Accountability and transparency are vital to our entire community and every member of the division."
Jacobs said they have taken the officer's badge and weapon pending further investigation. The officer was later identified as Joseph Bogard.
Valerie Johnson, Davis' mother, says the officers attitude only reinforces her belief that the police went too far.
"You tried to kill my son in that store. I watched you beat my son. I watched you step on my son," she said.
"Just close your eyes and you picture your son or daughter being beat. How would you feel?"
The comments will be investigated by the Internal Affairs Bureau. The arrest of Davis also is being investigated by Internal Affairs.
Statement from Mayor Andrew J. Ginther:
“I have reviewed the body-worn camera video, and I am incredibly bothered by the words of the officer in question. I strongly support Chief Jacob’s decision to remove the officer from duty. This is unacceptable behavior for Columbus police officers – or any city employee – and cannot be tolerated. It goes against our community’s values. I appreciate Chief Jacob’s transparency, and her and swift action in this matter.”
Statement from Columbus City Council President Zach Klein, President Pro Tem Priscilla Tyson and Councilmembers Elizabeth Brown, Mitchell J. Brown and Shannon Hardin:
Today, the above-named Columbus City Councilmembers viewed body camera footage that contained statements made by a Columbus Division of Police officer following the September 1, 2017, apprehension of Timothy Davis. We not only find these statements unacceptable and disturbing, but they are also in direct conflict with our community’s values and the policies, training, regulations and core values of the Columbus Division of Police. The Councilmembers support Chief Kim Jacobs’ swift action to take the officer’s badge and gun and immediately relieve him from duty. We also expect a complete and thorough investigation of the entire incident.