MEMPHIS — A sixth Memphis police officer was fired Friday following an internal police investigation for his alleged role in Tyre Nichols’ arrest, according to police.
In a news release, Memphis Police Department said that Officer Preston Hemphill was found to have violated multiple department policies during the arrest of Nichols. The news came after an internal investigation was conducted.
Authorities said Hemphill has been “departmentally charged and terminated” from the Memphis Police Department. Hemphill was hired by the police department in March 2018.
Hemphill reportedly was fired over the following violations, according to WHBQ:
- Personal conduct
- Truthfulness
- Compliance with regulations to wit: Conducted energy weapon (Taser)
- Compliance with regulations to wit: Uniforms (issued equipment)
- Inventory and processing recovered property
[ Tyre Nichols death: 6th Memphis police officer relieved of duty ]
Hemphill was previously suspended per the internal investigation for his role in the arrest of Nichols on Jan. 7, according to The Associated Press. Nichols dies three days later from his injuries. Five Memphis officers have been fired and charged with second-degree murder in connection to Nichols’ death.
Hemphill was reportedly the third officer at a traffic stop that led to the violent arrest. According to the AP, Hemphill was not there when Nichols was beaten.
On Friday, two former Memphis Fire Department EMTs had their licenses suspended for failing to render critical care to Nichols, according to the AP.
The investigation is still conducting an administrative investigation and other officers are under investigation for departmental policy violations, according to WHBQ.
No further information has been released.