The police officer who is seen on video shooting Walter Scott multiple times in the back has faced complaints related to unnecessary use of force before.
>> RELATED: Celebrities react to fatal police shooting of Walter Scott
The Post and Courier reviewed documents it obtained Monday through the S.C. Freedom of Information Act and noted two previous complaints.
>> RELATED: 5 facts about Walter Scott, man killed in South Carolina police shooting
In one complaint, Patrolman 1st Class Michael Thomas Slager responded to a call about a home burglary.
“When the resident opened the door for Slager, the burglary victim yelled that he wasn’t the suspect, the documents stated,” according to the report.
>> RELATED: Shocking video shows S.C. cop fatally shooting black man in back
Although the victim insisted he was not the burglar, “he later told internal investigators that Slager threatened to use a Taser against him if he didn’t come outside. When the man followed the order and stepped outside, he said Slager ‘Tased (him) for no reason and ... slammed him and dragged him.”
An officer who accompanied Slager on the call said Slager had to use the Taser, and investigators cleared Slager of wrongdoing.
>> RELATED: Family of man shot to death by S.C. officer asks for prayers, calm
The Post and Courier’s report on the previous complaint was published Monday, two days after Scott’s shooting and a day before Slager was charged with murder after the video showing the incident emerged.
About the Author
