UPDATE:
On July 26, 2021, Chief Bryant and commanders within the Atlanta Police Department became aware of a video, posted on social media, showing an Atlanta Police sergeant kicking a woman in her head. Upon reviewing the video, the decision was made to relieve two employees from duty pending a full investigation. The Atlanta Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards was directed to open an investigation into the incident and their investigation was to be expedited.
The Office of Professional Standards’ full investigation has since concluded. Based on a review of all the facts, it was determined Sgt. Marc Theodule’s actions violated department policy and he acted outside of APD standards and training. The decision was made to terminate employment of Sgt. Theodule on August 2, 2021. The investigation also concluded Officer Bridget Citizen did not violate APD’s Duty to Intervene policy. Our expectation is that employees intervene in on-going active situations, in this case, the kick occurred one time and then ceased. It was also determined that Officer Citizen brought the incident to the attention of a supervisor, a short time after the incident. She has since been returned to full duty status.
I want our officers and the public to know that I do not take terminating employees lightly. But I also understand that the Atlanta Police Department must be held to the highest standards and with that comes accountability when departmental policy is violated. Considering all the facts, I support the findings and recommendations made in this case.
Previously released info:
Report Packet - 212070826 Incident_ Aggravated Assault _13A__Redacted
On July 26, 2021, Chief Bryant and commanders within the Atlanta Police Department became aware of a video, posted on social media, showing an Atlanta Police sergeant kicking a woman in her head. Upon reviewing the video, the actions of the sergeant appear to be unacceptable and we are also concerned with the apparent lack of reaction from another officer present during the incident. The decision was made to immediately relieve both employees from duty, with the sergeant placed on unpaid suspension and the officer placed on administrative assignment. The Atlanta Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards (OPS) was directed to open an investigation into the actions of all employees on-scene and their investigation is to be expedited.
The actions of those in the video appear to fall outside our standards and training. However, it is important for the Office of Professional Standards to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the facts surrounding this incident. Chief Bryant will monitor the progress of this expedited investigation and review the findings to determine the proper course of action.
Summary of original call:
Preliminary information: On July 26, 2021, at around 12:30 PM, officers were dispatched to a person armed call in the area of 35 Haygood Avenue. The caller advised a female was walking in the area and had pointed a gun at several people. Officers arrived on scene and were able to locate and detain the female. Officers became concerned with the female’s mental health and requested Grady EMS transport her to the hospital for evaluation. The female was not charged. Officers recovered an unloaded handgun during the incident and turned it over to a family member of the female, for safe keeping.
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