FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Fort Wayne police are once again under scrutiny for use of violence.
This latest incident came as a video of a traffic stop went viral early Monday morning after FWPD said Tyjana Smith missed a stop sign while speeding and failed to obey the rules during a subsequent traffic stop. Police also said there was a warrant out for her arrest unrelated to the incident at the corner of Abbott and Manford streets.
Mayor Sharon Tucker and the FWPD released body and dashcam footage of the arrest on Thursday, saying it was part of their commitment to transparency.
An investigation is currently underway into the provider’s actions.
Statement from Mayor Sharon Tucker:
The Fort Wayne Police Department and I are today releasing the body camera footage from the August 5, 2024 traffic stop that raised questions and concerns among the community. The release of the body camera footage is further evidence of my administration and the Fort Wayne Police Department’s commitment to openness and transparency with the public and the media. An internal investigation as well as an investigation by the Allen County District Attorney’s Office are currently underway into this matter. While we continue to investigate, the officers involved in the incident have been reassigned. I also want to inform the public that the review of body camera footage and other materials from the two most recent officer-involved shootings is continuing. When those reviews are complete, the body camera footage will be released to the public and media. It is my desire that we work together as a community to maintain peace and decency. Despite the recent challenges we have faced, Fort Wayne is a safe city. Now more than ever, we must come together as a community to support and care for one another.
Statement from Fort Wayne Police:
FWPD values transparency and informing the public of the facts as quickly as possible so accurate conclusions can be drawn. Please note that the body camera footage does not show everything the officer saw and experienced. The actions taken in this incident are currently under thorough investigation. The links below will take you to the Fort Wayne Police Department’s YouTube page where you can view the videos in full.
Watch video here: Naturally Wills Body Cam
Ofc. Pierrs Bodycam
Of course Will’s Dashcam
On Tuesday, the FWPD released the following statement, confirming the videos circulating on social media:
FWPD is aware of a video circulating on social media regarding the arrest of Tyana Smith early Monday morning at approximately 3:35 a.m. in the Abbott/Manford area. Chief Caudill has initiated a formal internal investigation to ensure all rules, regulations and policies were followed. Officers involved in this incident will be reassigned as the internal investigation progresses. The internal investigation will examine all aspects of the incident, including all available video and body camera footage, and determine whether the use of force was appropriate.
An FWPD officer observed the vehicle driven by Tyjana running a stop sign while traveling at a high rate of speed. Tyjana had a warrant out for her arrest, refused to identify herself, and did not comply with the officer’s orders. She refused to exit the vehicle, and after numerous attempts to get her to exit voluntarily, officers were forced to forcibly remove her. She physically resisted, and officers used force to compel her to comply. This incident remains under investigation by the Fort Wayne Police Department and the Allen County District Attorney’s Office.
Suspects arrested: Tyjana Smith, 29 years old
Preliminary Charges: Warrant for Driving While License Revoked, Driving While License Revoked (Prior Misdemeanor), Refusal to Identify (Misdemeanor), Resisting Law Enforcement (Physical), Level 6 Felony, Assault on a Public Official, Level 6 Felony
