By KERA News & Wire Services
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-923979.mp3
Dallas, TX – Dallas Police Chief David Brown has fired Officer Kevin Ray Randolph for for his involvement in beating motorcyclist Andrew Collins September 5th. Collins is African American. The officers are white. Brown is also recommending criminal charges. KERA's Bill Zeeble has more.
A week and a half ago Dallas police followed Collins for riding his motorcycle on the sidewalk. The nighttime pursuit turned into a chase that reached nearly 70 miles an hour. When Collins finally stopped, 2 officers got out of their car and beat him with fists and a baton. Chief Brown says every citizen - Collins included - deserves respect.
Brown: As chief of police for the city of Dallas, I expect citizens to hold me accountable for assuring Dallas officers treat all citizens with fairness and compassion. No one is above the law.
Collins was treated for bruises and blood clots. Charges against him have been dropped.
Brown worries about a possible, violent public reaction.
Brown: I'm appealing to the calmer voices of the community and the police department to examine the evidence of this case and the department's investigative thoroughness and transparency.
Chief Brown is also meeting with community leaders at police headquarters to keep them informed of the investigation, which continues by the department.
The FBI is also looking into civil rights violations.