Lithonia Police chief cleared
LITHONIA, Ga. - Lithonia's Police chief has been exonerated of any wrongdoing. Chief Roosevelt Smith was under investigation accused of using excessive force on a teen who was in handcuffs.
The city council met Monday night and determined by a vote of 3 to 2 the chief did not violate any of the city's procedures. Current and past police officers were outraged over the decision.
“It's a slap in the face for the city. It's a slap in the face for law enforcement,” said Foster Hill who worked with the Lithonia Police reserves under
Chief Smith. Hill claims Chief Smith created a hostile work environment. Last month, a formal complaint was filed against the chief after 17-year-old Isaiah Harvey claimed the chief used excessive force on him after being arrested for burglary. Harvey's lawyer, Frank Smith, said while the teen was cuffed in a patrol car the chief “grabbed him around the Adam's apple and squeezed, he also pointed a taser at his head.” A sargent who was on the scene backed up the teen's claims.
The city administrator said he investigated the chief's actions and determined he was not out of line.
“It came down to the credibility of the witnesses who were there. We think it's just and the chief has done a good job for the city,” said attorney Careton Matthews who represents Chief Smith.