Fairfax County just had a case where a cop was working with a man who appeared generally incoherent, but highly agitated. Another responding cop, who apparently had just arrived walked up to the man and tased him. The tasing cop has now been charged with assault.

On Saturday, June 6, at the direction of the Fairfax County Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, Police Officer First Class (PFC) Tyler Timberlake, was charged with three counts of misdemeanor assault and battery. Timberlake has been an officer for eight years and assigned to the Mount Vernon District Station.

Officers responded to a call for service around 1:30 p.m. Friday afternoon involving a man in crisis wandering around in the roadway. As an officer attempted to deescalate the situation that was underway, PFC Timberlake arrived shortly after and used force that is unacceptable.

Based on this action, both a criminal and administrative investigation were immediately initiated at the direction of Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr, Chief of Police. The actions of the officer clearly exceeded the boundaries of law, policy and professionalism.

The Fairfax County PD facebook page link behind the hidden tab has links to bodycam video of the incident as well as other information. It looks like the man in crisis survived the encounter. It is disturbing, so please use care before viewing.

Also the youtube bodycam video starts out muted, but becomes very loud as soon as the officer starts to exit the car. Be warned.