In a sickening display of police brutality, reminiscent of countless incidents we’ve exposed before, a Flint police officer was caught on camera mercilessly assaulting a handcuffed man. What should have been a routine arrest will now cost Flint taxpayers dearly all because an officer couldn’t control his anger and took it out on a subdued, handcuffed victim.
The video, obtained by MLive through the victim, clearly depicts Flint police officer Charles Redmond, 51, arriving at the scene and proceeding to shove Terry Taylor’s face into a cement porch. Redmond then appears to pummel Taylor with a closed fist, followed by a savage kick to the face.
Following this violent outburst, the three officers yanked Taylor down the porch steps and onto the ground. The officers likely had no clue that the entire incident was captured on video by a home security system.
When confronted by an MLive reporter on Monday, April 10, prior to a pre-trial hearing, Redmond declined to comment on the incident, adding that he had yet to hire an attorney. Flint police had previously admitted being notified of an incident involving potential excessive force on January 27, just a day after the alleged assault against Taylor. Surprisingly, the department responded swiftly and took disciplinary action almost immediately.
Redmond was subsequently placed on administrative leave without pay, and an internal investigation commenced. The investigation determined that Redmond had, in fact, used excessive force, as previously stated by authorities. A warrant request was submitted to the prosecutor’s office and authorized on March 22.
In response to the findings, Flint Police Chief Terence Green declared, “This administration will continue to be transparent and hold all officers accountable for their actions.” However, as we’ve seen time and again, transparency and accountability often remain elusive.
Redmond faced arraignment before District Judge David Guinn on March 23. The complaint reads, “The complaining witness says that on the date and at the location described, the defendant, contrary to law, did make an assault, or an assault and battery, upon the following person: (redacted) contrary to MCL 750.81(1).” The charge carries a potential punishment of 93 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.
The incident unfolded around 10:20 p.m. on January 26, when Flint police responded to the home where Taylor had been living after a welfare check call was placed by his partner.
As Taylor sits in a chair on the porch, two officers exit the cruiser and approach his house. Taylor appears to yell at the officers, gesturing with his hands before standing up and walking toward them. After a brief discussion between the officers, Taylor, and another person inside the home, Taylor appears to swing at an officer who then knocks him to the ground before kneeling on his back.
The officers handcuff Taylor and hold him down for several minutes before Redmond arrives at the scene. Despite the fact that Taylor was entirely subdued and handcuffed, Redmond decided to punch and kick him in the head.
MLive requested copies of the police report related to Redmond’s case, as well as personnel files for the officer. However, the city has denied a Freedom of Information Act request, stating that releasing the information would interfere with its investigation.
Police Chief Green informed The Journal that Redmond remains with the police department but has been reassigned to desk duty pending the final outcome of his case.