Cop Placed on Leave Amid State Investigation of ‘Animalistic’ Arrest of 25-Year-Old Black Man in Tennessee

Content warning: This article contains details and footage of police violence.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has launched a probe into the violent arrest and beating of a 25-year-old Black man amid growing nationwide criticism.

Per a report from the Associated Press, a police affidavit sees law enforcement claiming the victim—identified as Brandon Calloway—“failed to stop at a stop sign” in the Oakland, Tennessee area earlier this month before officers ultimately kicked down the door of a home and chased him up the stairs.

A separate report from NBC News notes that the home in question was that of Calloway’s father, whom he was visiting with his girlfriend and her friend. At the time of the violent arrest, Calloway had reportedly only been in the area for roughly an hour after making the drive from Chattanooga to spend time with his dad.

Once upstairs, officers are reported to have used a Taser on Calloway, who is seen in footage with blood on his face following the officers’ assault.

A cited affidavit states that two of the officers involved have been identified as D. Jackson and Officer Richardson, both with the Oakland Police Department. Information regarding the third involved officer was not initially made public. Richardson, according to CNN, has since been placed on administrative leave.

“Brandon was assaulted in a brutal fashion. I describe it as animalistic,” attorney Andre Wharton, who’s now representing the family, told regional outlet WREG-TV in a recent interview.

Calloway is reported to have been met with multiple charges including evading arrest and speeding, among others. Edward Calloway, Brandon’s father, said last week that his son has been dealing with memory loss and psychological trauma following the arrest.

In a recently shared public statement, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity—of which Brandon Calloway is a member—condemned police for the violent arrest and called on local agencies to pursue “a fair and transparent investigation.”

Complex has reached out to Wharton’s office for comment, as well as to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and 25th Judicial District Attorney General Mark Davidson. This post may be updated.