Union likely to appeal firing of MPD officer who threatened teen
A Minneapolis police officer who apparently threatened to break a teenager's leg during a traffic stop last year has been terminated, although police union officials say are likely to appeal the firing.
A Minneapolis officer later identified as Officer Rod Webber was involved in a traffic stop of a vehicle carrying 17-year-old Hamza Jeylani on March 18.
Video of the incident surfaced on Twitter that showed the officer using profanity and threatening to break the boy's leg if he tries to run.
Webber was suspended last spring as the department investigated the incident.
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In a statement, Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis President Lt. Bob Kroll described Officer Rod Webber as a "highly decorated 25-year veteran officer."
The union's board will meet later this week to review the case and decide whether to appeal.
"I believe the board will ultimately appeal the termination as it was unwarranted," Kroll said.
Minneapolis Police Chief Janeé Harteau said she can't comment directly on the case due to data privacy laws.
"Public trust is a vital component to our ability to fully protect and serve the residents of Minneapolis," Harteau said in a statement. "Officers will be held accountable if their actions are not consistent with our core values or the state's Law Enforcement Code of Ethics."