Video Released of Police Officer Allegedly Fighting Man in Wheelchair
By:
Photojournalist:
DULUTH - The Duluth Police Department released a disturbing video of one of their officers allegedly fighting a man in a wheelchair.The four minute video reveals what allegedly happened between the two men from inside Duluth’s Detoxification Center.
According to police reports, Anthony Jackson was first picked up at his home in San Marcos and transported to the detox center where the scuffle began.
It all started when a Duluth Detoxification Center staff member asked for Jackson’s jacket.
"Well then have the son of a ***** man,” said Jackson. “Want me to throw it at you?
"Throw it at me see what happens," replied the staff member.
Jackson and Officer Richard Jouppi began a tug of war for the coat.
"Man just because you got the ****ing leather gloves on," says Jackson to Jouppi.
Jackson allegedly strikes Jouppi and then the officer allegedly repeatedly punches Jackson in his face and chest and then turns over his wheelchair.
"Shut up I'll arrest you, too," says Jouppi to a detox facility staff member. "I don't give a **** what you say,” says Jouppi to Jackson. “Oh I can't walk you get in two fights in one night and then you insult the cops you can walk. Your little 'oh I'm so beat up' act is tired."
"Ok, ok, ok," says Jackson.
Jackson was then transported to the St. Louis County Jail.
In his mugshot taken before the altercation you can see one of the punches split open an old wound.
"We of course feel that officer Jouppi acted appropriately and responsibly under the circumstances," said Jouppi’s attorney Frederic Bruno.
Jouppi's two year run at the department has not been perfect.
"It is not the first time there's been complaints on the officers," Duluth Police Department Patrol Division Deputy Chief Mike Tusken said.
Jouppi has five complaints including withholding a suspect's location from his supervisor and other investigating officers.
Jackson has a criminal history of gross misdemeanors including DWI’s.
We reached out to Jackson at his home, but were told by apartment staff he was not seeing visitors at the time.
The evidence in the case will be reviewed by a private prosecutor and they will determine whether charges will be filed.
Officer Jouppi has not been charged or arrested.
He has been placed on administrative leave.
Jouppi's attorney says they are anticipating a dismissal or acquittal.
