A police officer in Philadelphia approached a man named Eugene Beauford who was lying in the street, kicked him with his foot, and then left the scene. This officer was soon suspended after Beauford was fatally struck by another vehicle.
Suspension and Subsequent Actions
Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel announced on Monday that the officer has been suspended for 30 days and intends to terminate him afterward. Bethel stated, "All of us, whether Philadelphia police officers or elsewhere in the country, are obligated to uphold the code of ethics for officers."
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Bethel added, "In this ethics, it is clearly stated that my primary duty is to serve the community and protect life and property. He did not fulfill that duty that day, and for that reason, he has been suspended for 30 days pending termination from the police department."
Details of the Incident
Beauford, 48, was walking along the edge of a street when he fell at 1:40 AM on August 27. A video obtained from the incident shows the police officer pushing Beauford after exiting his vehicle and then returning to his car and leaving the scene.
Later, another passerby approached Beauford and spoke with him, but he also left the scene after a while. Less than five minutes later, a green vehicle (Kia) came onto the street and struck Beauford. The vehicle quickly fled the scene.
Both the passerby and another individual moved Beauford to the side of the sidewalk and called emergency services. Rescue teams, including the police officer who initially approached Beauford, arrived at the scene. However, this officer again refused to provide assistance to Beauford and also did not file a report after the incident.
Beauford was taken to a nearby hospital, but he died there. Police officials stated that they were only informed of his death after the medical examiner's office contacted them.
Bethel also said, "We live by a code of ethics, and if we want to do this job correctly, we must adhere to it every day." He expressed his disgust at the incident.
The green vehicle involved in the incident and its driver have been identified, but no arrests or charges have been announced so far.
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Source: independent.co.uk
