Coral Gables Officer Suspended For Allegedly Kicking Juvenile Suspect
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CORAL GABLES (CBSMiami) – In August of 2014, Coral Gables police officer Andre Hammann received officer of the month honors for apprehending armed robbery suspects.
The same officer is accused of acting with dishonor Tuesday morning.
He allegedly violently, repeatedly kicked a juvenile suspect who had wrecked out in a stolen car at SW 8th St. and 32nd Ave.
"The individual that was taken into custody by the Coral Gables officers made mention to the officer who was escorting him while he was in custody that he was battered by one of our officers," Coral Gables Police Chief Ed Hudak told CBS4's Gary Nelson in an exclusive interview Wednesday.
Before the juvenile complained about the officer's alleged abusive behavior, other officers back at the original scene were reporting it.
"I'm very proud of the men and women for what they stand for, which we believe in in Coral Gables, that we all have to uphold, and no one is above the law no matter what," Hudak said.
Not only has Hammann, a five-year veteran, been suspended, he may yet be hauled up in court.
"We are working in conjunction with the state attorney's office, and if charges are filed then we will move forward on that," Hudak said.
Suspended with pay now, if Hammann is charged with a crime it will become without pay. His chief calls his alleged beating of the juvenile suspect "intolerable."
Chief Hudak says it's believed no security cameras in the area captured the beating episode. Even though there are other officers who witnessed it, Hudak is hoping in this cellphone video age that someone recorded it on their cell and will come forward.