October 27, 1997
City investigating
charge against cop
ROBERT MOHL
News Editor
ROANOKE RAPIDS-- City officials are keeping mum after a resident swore out a
warrant alleging she was shoved by a police officer during the arrest of her
husband.
"I'd love to comment," said City Manager Rick Benton. "I just don't think it
would be appropriate."
Benton said the matter is being handled by the city attorney.
Tekesha Smith of 325 Taylor Street swore out a warrant against Roanoke Rapids
Police Officer Tim Harris on Friday.
Tekesha Smith claims Harris shoved her during the arrest of her husband,
Wayne Smith, on the 300 block of Monroe Street on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
The alleged shoving took place around 5:30 p.m. when the uniformed officer
was questioning several people in the area. Witneses say Harris used racist
language and sprayed bystanders with Mace during the arrest of Wayne Smith and
Ken Burgwyn. Smith and Burgwyn were reportedly charged with resisting arrest.
The Roanoke Rapids Police Records department says they have no copy of the
arrest report on file.
Chief D.N. Beale, who refused to comment, said, "I'm not releasing anything"
when asked about the report.
Harris has not been suspended or placed on leave and will not be, said
Benton.
"If we had the slightest hint that one of our officers acted unprofessionally
we would take that action," he added.
Benton said the town has already launched an investigation of the incident
and asked the State Bureau of Investigations to do the same.
"We didn't want it to look like we were policing ourselves," said Benton. "We
want to be open about it."
Benton downplayed the serious of the investigation, calling the matter
"routine." He would not say if the town's investigation was complete, or if the
SBI had agreed to investigate.
Harris could not be reached for comment.
(
geocities.com/rjmohl)