Two Columbia police officers suspended
The two officers may have violated procedure and abused the boy when attempting to restrain him during a family dispute, said Chief Barry Crotzer, who declined to release the officers’ names.
On Wednesday, police responded to three calls from the child’s parents asking for officers to help them control their son.
“He was threatening to do harm to his sisters,” Crotzer said. “He was threatening to do harm to his mother or stepmother.”
When police responded to the third call, a child services case worker was at the house. The case worker ordered the boy to be evaluated because of his violent behavior, according to police.
The boy was transported to Maury Regional Hospital, and during an evaluation, personnel discovered signs of abuse.
Crotzer said the boy did not suffer major injuries, and the child is no longer hospitalized. Crotzer would not detail the nature of the injuries.
Police began their own internal investigation to determine whether the officers violated procedures.
Crotzer said it is too early in the investigation to say if charges will brought against the officers.