What was initially a routine traffic stop for a license plate violation, took a bitter turn for all parties involved in Washington Township this past Sunday.
According to a police report obtained by the Toledo News, Officer Hart pulled over Cassandra Meyers in front of her father-in-law’s house and cited her for a license plate violation. At that point, her father-in-law Aaron Tatkowski returned home and noticed the police officer talking to Meyers. The report says he didn’t like the way the officer’s was talking to the woman and questioned him about his behavior.
“He hollered for me to get back in my truck, so I got back in my truck,” Tatkowski said. “Next thing you know, I’m yanked out of the truck and it made my girlfriend say a few things. He yanked her out of the truck.”
Tatkowski claims the officer then grabbed and threw him, his girlfriend, his daughter-in-law, and 14-year-old son onto the ground, while also pulling out his taser and handgun.
“It was totally uncalled for, the way [the officer] was using force on people,” said Jim Stechschulte, a witness. “I’m sorry to say that, but that’s the way it is and if they don’t like it, so be it.”
Toledo News said that Tatkowski received a cut to his elbow and knee and was taken to the hospital, while Officer Hart received some scratches. Asked about the incident, the Washington Township Police chief said that he stands by his officer’s actions, declining to give further comments.
A video shot by one of Tatkowski’s neighbors has surfaced online, and you can watch it for yourself right after the break.
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