The police officer who dragged Tyreek Hill from his car and threw him to the ground has been investigated multiple times for using excessive force during his career, it has been revealed.
Danny Torres was placed on administrative duties in the immediate aftermath of the incident amid calls for him to be fired, and now some shocking details have emerged about his past.
According to police records obtained by TMZ, Torres has received a number of complaints since joining the Miami-Dade Police Department back in 1996.
It has been claimed that he was accused of misconduct on six occasions, including force violations and improper procedures, while there have also been at least 13 investigations over him using excessive force.
Torres has received multiple suspensions, including one ban in 2018 lasting 20 days, with multiple written reprimands also in his file.
Dolphins star Tyreek Hill was dragged from his car and placed in handcuffs on Sunday
Danny Torres (pictured) has been suspended ‘multiple times’ in the past, it has emerged
There have also been some positive commendations – over two dozen – with one award for professionalism given to him in May 2023.
The cop is currently being investigated for his role in the Hill traffic stop, which was caught by bodycam footage, which was released to the public.
The Miami Dolphins star has called for Torres to be fired and believes he was too rough with him during the incident on Sunday.
‘After a careful and thorough review of the multiple body cameras and concern citizens’ videos that captured the unfortunate events that transpired on Sunday, September 8, 2024, between several officers of the Miami Dade Police Department and Tyreek Hill, we are demanding for the immediate termination of the officer that has been placed on administrative leave,’ Hill said in a statement via attorney Julius B. Collins.
Shocking videos showed Hill being handcuffed and restrained on the floor after he was stopped for speeding, while one officer even appeared to strike him on the sidewalk.
The wide receiver was pinned to the floor by officers ahead of the Dolphins’ season opener
As he was violently apprehended by police, several of Hill’s teammates pulled over to try to deescalate the situation, only for defensive tackle Calais Campbell to briefly be placed in handcuffs himself.
In the astonishing footage, which emerged earlier this week, cops could be heard telling Hill to ‘stop crying’ while the NFL star said: ‘ Take me to jail… do what you have to do.’
On Tuesday, the police citations claimed Hill was stopped because he was believed to be driving 60mph in a 40mph zone – without wearing a seatbelt. He was fined a combined total of $308.
‘On at least two occasions, the escalating officer placed his hands on or around Mr. Hill’s neck during the traffic stop. After Mr. Hill was forcefully pulled out of his vehicle by this officer was then forcefully put face down on the pavement,’ Hill’s statement from his attorney added.
Police citations claimed Hill was stopped because he was believed to be driving 60mph
Hill played both on Sunday and on Thursday night, but was clearly rocked by the incident
‘The officer then placed his knee in Mr. Hill’s back and his hand around the back of Mr. Hill’s neck. Once Mr. Hill was placed in handcuffs and standing on the sidewalk, after being told to sit down, Mr. Hill notified the requesting officer of his intent to do so and there again, the same officer as before grabs Mr. Hill from behind and forces him down to the ground. While doing so, the officer then again placed his hand on or around Mr. Hill’s neck.
‘Even while Mr. Hill was advising the officer that he had a procedure done on his knee, the officer ignored his statement and continued his escalation in his use of force.
‘Each action that a law enforcement official take is governed by standard operation procedures. We are of the opinion that the officers’ use of force was excessive, escalating, and reckless. We are demanding that the officer be terminated effective immediately.’
