An Ohio police officer, Ryan Speakman, has been fired from the department after releasing a police dog that mauled 23-year-old Jadarrius Rose, a Black man. The incident occurred on July 4 and was captured on police body cam video.
The Circleville Police stated that Officer Speakman did not meet the standards expected of their police officers, leading to his immediate termination from the department. However, the Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, the police union in Ohio, criticized the termination, claiming it went against the principles of progressive discipline.
The incident began when state troopers attempted to pull over Jadarrius Rose on U.S. Route 23 in Ohio because of a missing mud flap on the tractor-trailer he was driving. Rose pulled over briefly but then called 911 and expressed fear for his safety, stating that the officers had their guns drawn.
Despite attempts by the police to stop him, Rose continued driving for approximately 25 minutes. He eventually stopped when spiked bars were placed in front of the moving truck. As shown in body camera footage, Rose complied with the officers’ orders and had his hands in the air when he exited the truck.
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However, Officer Speakman released the police dog, despite a fellow officer’s warning not to do so when the suspect had his hands up. The dog attacked Rose for over 30 seconds, causing significant blood loss.
Circleville K-9 Officer Ryan Speakman’s actions came to light when footage of the incident circulated on social media and was reported by the Scioto Valley Guardian. The police dog attack prompted an investigation and raised concerns about the use of force.
After the incident, Rose was taken to the hospital for treatment and later released from jail on July 7. The video footage of the attack sparked outrage and raised questions about the appropriate use of force in such situations.
The incident is likely to prompt further discussions about police conduct and the use of force, particularly in cases involving racial minorities.
