Christopher Burbank

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Service Record

Winston-Salem North Carolina Police Department

Rank Officer
Last Known Status Separated[1]

Tacoma Washington Police Department

Rank Officer
Dates of Service 2015[1] - January 16, 2024[2]
Salary $128,856 (2022)[3]
Last Known Status Resigned[2]

Thurston County Washington Sheriff's Office

Rank Deputy
Dates of Service April 1, 2024 - April 3, 2024.[4]
Last Known Status Resigned[5]

Burbank resigned from the TCSO due to "community response and death threats" against his family.[5]

Incident Reports

While in North Carolina, Burbank was the subject of 16 internal investigations, including 10 involving injuries to civilians, three driving-related incidents, and complaints of racial profiling, wrongful arrest, and conducting an incomplete investigation. Burbank was cleared on all but one driving incident.[1]

2020 Death of Manuel Ellis

Christopher Burbank arraignment photo
Christopher Burbank

Response Timeline

The officers were placed on administrative leave.

In March 2020, the officers were returned to duty.[6]

On June 3, 2020, the officers were returned to administrative leave.[7][8]

On May 27, 2021, the state Attorney General charged Burbank with second-degree murder, which typically carries a sentence of 10 to 18 years in prison. The maximum sentence is life in prison.[9]

On May 28, 2021, the officers pleaded not guilty.[10]

On December 21, 2023, a jury found the officers not guilty.[11] After the verdict, the city resumed its internal investigation.[2]

On January 12, 2024, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington announced that they were reviewing the incident for possible "violations of federal criminal statutes".[12]

On January 15, 2024, an internal investigation cleared the officers of any major policy violations. Collins received a written reprimand for failing to be courteous to the public.[2]

On January 16, 2024, the officers each accepted $500,000 from the city to resign. The officers may receive other funds due to labor agreements with the city and the union.[2]

LEO Ratings


References


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