A Miami-Dade police officer at the center of Tyreek Hill’s controversial detainment reportedly has a history of misconduct.
Danny Torres, who Hill accused of using “excessive” force when he detained the Dolphins’ superstar wide receiver prior to the team’s season opener on Sunday following a traffic stop for alleged speeding, was suspended six times previously in his career, according to Andy Slater.
The suspensions varied in length from five to 20 days.
Tyreek Hill is forced to the ground by officer Danny Torres (left) on Sept. 8, 2024. via REUTERS
Officer Danny Torres, who was involved in the controversial detainment of Tyreek Hill, has a history of misconduct. Miami-Dade Police Department
Torres was accused of misconduct, such as force violations and improper procedures, according to TMZ, and was investigated for his use of force 13 times.
He joined the Miami-Dade Police Department in 1996, per the report.
Torres is on administrative leave as MDPD conducts an investigation.
Tyreek Hill is handcuffed while being detained on Sept. 8, 2024. via REUTERS
Hill has demanded he be fired.
“After a careful and thorough review of the multiple body cameras and concerned citizens’ videos that captured the unfortunate events that transpired on Sunday, September 8, 2024, between several officers of the Miami Dade Police Department and Tyreek Hill, we are demanding for the immediate termination of the officer that has been placed on administrative leave,” Hill earlier this week said via attorney Julius B. Collins.
Hill was cited for allegedly driving 60 mph in a 40 mph zone.
Tyreek Hill speaks to the media on Sept. 8, 2024. AP
“On at least two occasions, the escalating officer placed his hands on or around Mr. Hill’s neck during the traffic stop. After Mr. Hill was forcefully pulled out of his vehicle by this officer was then forcefully put face down on the pavement,” Hill’s statement continued. “The officer then placed his knee in Mr. Hill’s back and his hand around the back of Mr. Hill’s neck. Once Mr. Hill was placed in handcuffs and standing on the sidewalk, after being told to sit down, Mr. Hill notified the requesting officer of his intent to do so and there again, the same officer as before grabs Mr. Hill from behind and forces him down to the ground.
“While doing so, the officer then again placed his hand on or around Mr. Hill’s neck. Even while Mr. Hill was advising the officer that he had a procedure done on his knee, the officer ignored his statement and continued his escalation in his use of force.”
Hill did admit this week that he “could have been better” during the encounter.
Torres has also received a plethora of commendations, including an award in 2023 for professionalism.
His brother, David, told the Daily Mail earlier this week that his sibling is a good cop.
“He’s just a straightforward, black-and-white kind of person. I don’t mean anything racial by that, I mean that he does things by the book. I think he is an excellent cop. I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t be reinstated.”
