GLENDALE, AZ — Governor Doug Ducey says he would like to see further investigation into the case of a man who was tased nearly a dozen times by a Glendale officer in 2017.
The case has gained national attention since body camera video obtained by ABC15 was released last week.
Johnny Wheatcroft was handcuffed lying face down on the hot asphalt on a 108-degree day. He'd already been tased 10 times, with one officer kneeling on his back as Officer Matt Schneider kicked him in the groin and pulled down his athletic shorts to tase him a final time in his testicles, according to a federal lawsuit and body camera footage obtained by ABC15.
Governor Ducey's office has confirmed he wants to see the investigation re-opened and that he's been following the story and ABC15's coverage.
Doug Ducey calls for re-opening of investigation into a Glendale officer's actions after he tased a handcuffed man repeatedly.
— Dave Biscobing (@DaveBiscobing15) February 13, 2019
A spokesperson confirmed Governor has been personally following the situation and discussing @abc15's coverage.
Official statement is expected soon.
"What I saw on that videotape did not represent the law enforcement that I know in the state of Arizona. What I saw was completely unacceptable," Ducey said Wednesday. "And it seems to me that the investigation was whitewashed. I'd love to see the county attorney's office re-open the investigation and get to the bottom of what happened there and hold people accountable."
The Maricopa County Attorney Office said Tuesday they are re-looking at the decision to turn down criminal charges against the officer, according to the attorney representing the plaintiff who’s suing the police.
Glendale's mayor also released a statement about the incident on Tuesday.
