A high-ranking officer with the Cincinnati Police Department, Captain Brian Norris, has been arrested and charged with assault and disorderly conduct following an incident near Washington Park, as reported on December 20 by WLWT. The altercation, which occurred on October 24, involved Norris, who was off-duty at the time, and a woman who Norris reportedly strangled, an event allegedly captured on video by a witness.
In the video, the woman can be heard crying and telling Norris to "Get off of me!" According to footage shared with WCPO, witnesses also urged Norris to release the woman as he seemingly walked away. The incident report claimed that Norris was seen dragging the victim out of a vehicle while holding her in a chokehold and continuing to strangle her with his hands. The alleged victim, reluctant to speak on camera, asserted to the officers that "he is CPD," effectively quickly cast a light on the perpetrator's law enforcement identity.
Responding to the allegations, CPD Chief Teresa Theetge took immediate administrative action against Norris. "I stand by my decision to have an external agency investigate this situation," Theetge said in a statement obtained by Local12 news. Chief Theetge emphasized the importance of a fair and impartial investigation, especially when the accused is a high-ranking police official. Consequently, Norris has been stripped of his police powers and reassigned to administrative duties pending the outcome of the investigation.
Chief Theetge also reported during a press conference that Norris has been assigned an "outside prosecutor's office" to handle the case, ensuring an objective review of the events, according to local12 news. However, the specific office has not been disclosed. The accused captain's right to due process was a point Chief Theetge reiterated, indicating the Police Department's commitment to justice above all. "Captain Norris is entitled to due process, and we will await the outcome of this case," she told WLWT. It remains unclear how the ongoing legal proceedings will unfold, but the public outcry and evidence presented may significantly impact the case against Captain Norris.
