News Releases

Internal Affairs Concludes Investigation of Tasing Incident

Nov 19th, 2010

File Number: Internal Investigation

On November 5, 2010 Mobile Police Internal Affairs Unit concluded the internal investigation into the tasing incident and arrest of Ronnie Williams, and arrest of Emily Butler. The incident occurred on September 2, 2010 when an officer began investigating a parked vehicle at Doyle Park.

The Internal Affairs Unit revealed that Officer Christopher Hallford, while investigating a suspicious black Chevrolet Impala at Doyle Park, became involved in a physical altercation with Emily Butler. Officer Hallford then requested backing officers to respond. Corporal Jeffery Hilburn, and Officers Damian Colvin and Bezell Westbrook responded to assist Officer Hallford. After a lengthy struggle with Emily Butler, they were able to secure her with handcuffs and shackles. The officers then located Mr. Ronnie Williams in the vehicle, and after several attempts to remove him from the vehicle, Officer Westbrook tased him. The officers were not aware of his paralysis until he was safely secured out of the vehicle. Ronnie Williams then filed a formal complaint with the department claiming an excessive use of force.

The Mobile Police Department has found after the investigation that the officer's actions were consistent with department policy and the complainant suffered no harm without justification.


Officer Christopher Levy
Public Information Office
Office: 208-1926
Fax: 208-1758