FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – The Fort Wayne Police Department is again under scrutiny for use of force.
This most recent incident came as video went viral of a traffic stop early Monday morning after the FWPD alleged that Tyjana Smith ran a stop sign while speeding and was not compliant during a subsequent traffic stop. Police also said she had an active warrant for her arrest unrelated to the incident that happened at Abbott and Manford Streets.
Mayor Sharon Tucker and the FWPD released body and dash cam footage of the arrest on Thursday. She said it is part of her commitment to transparency.
An investigation is ongoing into the offer’s actions.
Statement from Mayor Sharon Tucker:
The Fort Wayne Police Department and I today are releasing the body camera footage from the traffic stop on August 5, 2024, that has raised questions and concerns in the community. The release of the body camera footage continues a commitment by my administration and the FWPD to openness and transparency with the public and the media. An internal affairs investigation, along with an investigation by the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office, is ongoing into this matter. As we continue to investigate, the officers involved in the incident have had a duty reassignment. I also want the public to know that reviews of body camera footage and other materials from the two recent officer-involved shootings continue. When those reviews are completed, the body camera footage will be released to the public and the media. It’s my desire for us to work together as a community to maintain peace and civility. Even with the recent challenges we have faced, Fort Wayne is a safe city. Now more than ever, we need to come together as a community to support and care for one another.
Statement from The Fort Wayne Police Department:
The FWPD believes in transparency and getting information to the public, as soon as practicable to make the facts known, so accurate conclusions can be made. Please be advised, that body camera footage does not show everything seen and experienced by the officer. A thorough investigation into the actions taken in this incident are taking place. The links below, will take you to the Fort Wayne Police Department YouTube page; where the videos can be seen in their entirety.
View Video Here: Ofc. Will’s Body Cam
Ofc. Pierr’s Body Cam
Ofc. Will’s Dash Cam
On Tuesday, the FWPD released the following acknowledging the videos going around social media with the following statement:
The FWPD is aware of a video circulating social media, regarding the arrest of Tyana Smith early Monday morning at roughly 3:35 am in the area of Abbott/Manford. Chief Caudill has initiated a formal internal investigation to ensure all rules, regulations, and policies were followed. The officers involved in this incident will be reassigned during the course of the internal investigation. The internal investigation will look at all facets of the incident, to include all available video, as well as body camera footage, and whether the use-of-force was reasonable.
A FWPD officer observed the vehicle Tyjana was driving, ran a stop sign, while driving at a high rate of speed. Tyjana had an arrest warrant, refused to identify, and was non-compliant with the officer’s directives. She refused to exit the vehicle, and after numerous attempts to get her to exit voluntarily; officers had to forcefully remove her. She physically resisted, causing the officers to use force to gain compliance. This incident remains under investigation by the Fort Wayne Police Department and the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office.
Suspect Arrested: Tyjana Smith, 29 years of age
Preliminary Charges: Arrest Warrant for Driving While Suspended, Driving While Suspended (Prior) Misdemeanor, Refusal to Identify Self Misdemeanor, Resisting Law Enforcement (Physical) Level 6 Felony, Battery to Public Official Causing Bodily Injury Level 6 Felony
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