Tyreek Hill demands police officer be fired after ‘escalating’ detainment incident
Tyreek Hill believes a price needs to be paid for what he deemed “excessive” force used against him by a Miami-Dade police officer during his detainment Sunday.
The Dolphins’ star receiver released a statement Tuesday night through his attorney calling for the firing of the officer, since revealed to be 27-year veteran Danny Torres, for his actions.
Torres has been placed on administrative leave amid an investigation.
“After a careful and thorough review of the multiple body cameras and concern citizens’ videos that captured the unfortunate events that transpired on Sunday, September 8, 2024, between several officers of the Miami Dade Police Department and Tyreek Hill, we are demanding for the immediate termination of the officer that has been placed on administrative leave,” Hill said via attorney Julius B. Collins.
Hill’s comments join the growing chorus of those calling for action to be taken against the officers involved in Sunday’s incident, and mirror those of his agent, Drew Rosenahus, who called for multiple officers to be fired during an appearance on the “Dan Le Batard Show” on Tuesday.
The Dolphins released a statement Sunday calling for “equally swift and strong action against the officers who engaged in such despicable behavior.”
Video shows Hill being forcibly removed from his car and put face-down on the ground to be handcuffed and later being grabbed from behind around the neck by the same officer, since revealed to be Torres.
The officers cited Hill for careless driving and a seatbelt violation after pulling him over for allegedly driving 20 miles per hour (mph) above the speed limit, going 60 mph in a 40 mph zone.
Hill’s attorney previously released a statement stating they would be “exploring all legal remedies.”
“On at least two occasions, the escalating officer placed his hands on or around Mr. Hill’s neck during the traffic stop. After Mr. Hill was forcefully pulled out of his vehicle by this officer was then forcefully put face down on the pavement,” Hill’s statement from his attorney read. “The officer then placed his knee in Mr. Hill’s back and his hand around the back of Mr. Hill’s neck. Once Mr. Hill was placed in handcuffs and standing on the sidewalk, after being told to sit down, Mr. Hill notified the requesting officer of his intent to do so and there again, the same officer as before grabs Mr. Hill from behind and forces him down to the ground. While doing so, the officer then again placed his hand on or around Mr. Hill’s neck. Even while Mr. Hill was advising the officer that he had a procedure done on his knee, the officer ignored his statement and continued his escalation in his use of force.
“Each action that a law enforcement official take is governed by standard operation procedures. We are of the opinion that the officers’ use of force was excessive, escalating, and reckless. We are demanding that the officer be terminated effective immediately.”
Torres is still handling administrative duties during the internal affairs investigation, according to NBC Miami.
His representatives, Ignacio Alvarez and Israel Reyes, released a statement Monday calling for Torres’ “immediate reinstatement” after a “premature” decision to place him on administrative leave, per ESPN.
The statement noted that Torres would not comment until after the investigation ends, which they said they “fully support.”
Miami-Dade Police Department director Stephanie V. Daniels said the department is “committed” to a “thorough, objective” investigation.
“We urge all parties to refrain from making public statements that may misrepresent our client’s actions and mislead the public about Mr. Hill’s detainment,” Alvarez said in the statement, according to ESPN.
Hill’s statement concluded with him hoping this situation can ultimately provide some positives.
“The events that occurred on Sunday, September 8, 2024, are just a reminder of the realities of the many injustices that people of black and minority communities face at the hands of law enforcement,” the statement said. “While we are in no way accusing the officer of being racist, we are accusing the customs and practices of law enforcement from a historical standpoint of being discriminatory and oppressive to black and minority communities. We cannot ignore this fact and remain silent on the issue just because it’s a tough conversation.
“Mr. Hill is committed to furthering the conversation and being active in promoting change in community and police relations.”
