Atlanta Police Sergeant James Hines has been fired after using a taser and punching Maggie Thomas in front of her daughter.
What We Know:
- Hines was fired last Friday, two weeks after the May 1 incident occurred at Thomas’ apartment complex.
- After an internal investigation into Hines’ actions, the Atlanta Police Department found that “the force used during the arrest was unnecessary and inconsistent with Atlanta Police Department training.”
- The incident began with Hines patrolling the complex for a silver Honda similar to the one that Thomas and her daughter were sitting in.
- According to Hines’ report, when he approached Thomas she immediately became “agitated” and said, “there shouldn’t be a white officer harassing her.” He then left but returned after finding out that Thomas had an outstanding warrant due to not appearing in court for a speeding ticket.
- After Thomas honked her horn to alert someone, a neighbor was able to get Thomas’ daughter out of the car. Thomas was resisting arrest and attempting to call 911 while Hines, according to the report, was forced to use his taser for her to stop.
- As Hines tried to get Thomas into the car, she allegedly bit him on the hand. “I immediately punched her in the face and she fell to the ground,” Hines said in the report.
- Thomas was charged with disorderly conduct/physical obstruction and Monday the department recommended dropping the charges against Thomas. This was supported by Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields.
- “Based on the investigation by our Office of Professional Standards, the chief recommended that consideration be given to dismissing the charges against Ms. Thomas,” the department said in a statement.
- Thomas has denied biting the officer, saying that Hines is saying this to justify his unjust actions.
Hopefully Maggie Thomas gets the justice she truly deserves.
