Duc Tran (2019)

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Overview

On June 29, 2019, Lawrence Kansas Police Department Officer Brad Williams encountered Tran, who was skateboarding in the roadway. Tran claimed that it was legal, while Williams disagreed. Williams claimed that Tran lifted his skateboard above his head and threatened the officer with it. Williams tackled Tran and twisted his arm, breaking it. Tran also suffered a dislocated shoulder and other injuries.[1][2][3]

Tran was released from jail and no charges were filed at the time.[2]

Based on a report of the incident provided by the Chief of Police, the District Attorney's office charged Tran with interference with law enforcement, assault on a law enforcement officer, and failure to obey a lawful order of a police officer, all misdemeanors.[2]

In an affidavit, Williams stated that Tran had turned his back and walked away. The court said this never happened.[2]

On November 10, 2020, the criminal charges against Tran were dismissed.[2]

On January 6, 2021, Williams resigned.[4]

On July 16, 2021, Tran filed a lawsuit, alleging excessive force, negligence, and battery by Williams, a failure of the department to train and supervise Williams, and malicious prosecution.[5]

On November 24, 2021, the U.S. District Court dismissed Tran's charges against the Police Department, the Board of City Commissioners, and the District Attorney, but allowed the case to continue against the city.[2]

Video

At the time of the arrest, officers were not equipped with body-worn cameras.[3]

Audio of the encounter was captured by Williams' dash-cam microphone.[5]

Officers Involved


Official Reports

Additional Sources

References

  1. ↑ Mackenzie Clark, Prosecutors drop charges against Lawrence skateboarder in case that questioned police officer’s truthfulness, Lawrence Journal-World, 2020-11-10
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Tran v County of Douglas, U.S. District Court, 2021-11-24
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Mackenzie Clark, Recording raises question of perjury by Lawrence police officer; LPD says probe cleared him, Lawrence Journal-World, 2020-08-17
  4. ↑ Kansas officer accused of injuring skateboarder resigns, AP News, 2021-01-16
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Tran v County of Douglas Complaint, U.S. District Court, 2021-07-16

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