Washington D.C., Columbia, 3 July

The Columbia District Metropolitan Police Department(MPD) is investigating the case of officers who broke a suspect’s finger during handcuffing. MPD officers assigned to the Gun Recovery Unit responded to the 900 block of 21st Street, Northeast in Washington D.C., Columbia on 3rd July. Officers stopped a man who was with his girlfriend, suspecting the individual of illegal possession of a weapon. Police located a handgun hidden in the area of ​​the individual’s front belt. As law enforcement tried to handcuff the suspect, the man resisted. The officers performed an elimination manoeuvre. Once the individual was handcuffed, the weapon was recovered.

Following the arrest, the individual complained of pain in his right hand, which he attributed to removal. The individual was transported to a hospital in the area, where he was diagnosed with a fracture of the right thumb. After treatment, the individual was released from the hospital.

The man, whose name was not disclosed, is charged with countless offences, including Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Resisting Arrest.

According to the MPD press release, such an injury is defined as a serious use of force.

This incident is pending review by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia (USAO). When the USAO completes their review, the case will be investigated by MPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau.