The Demopolis Police Department has released an update regarding an accident that damaged a statue in downtown.
Demopolis Police Chief Tommie Reese said the department has completed its findings as the result of internal investigation of the accident that involved a DPD officer. Chief Reese stated that the investigation revealed that the officer failed to maintain control of his patrol unit resulting in the extensive damage to the Monument and the Patrol Unit causing the unit to be totaled.
The officer was transported to the emergency room at Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital, which included a drug screen. The officer was later placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, which Reese said is standard DPD procedure.
Chief Reese said he had read comments being made on social media, but his department had to make sure that a complete and thorough investigation was done before making a statement.
“This was an accident and was not an intentional act, as some may have wanted or made it out to be. It was just an accident,” Reese said. “I am glad the officer wasn’t injured or killed because we can’t replace a life, but a monument can be repaired or replaced.”
“Disciplinary actions will be handle by the department and this matter is closed,” said Chief Reese.