FOR IMMEIDATE RELEASE
News from Progress Michigan
October 3, 2017
Contact: Sam Inglot, 616-916-0574, sam@progressmichigan.org
Progress Michigan Statement on State Police Trooper Resignation
Col. Etue should follow suit
LANSING – The following is a statement from Progress Michigan regarding the news that State Police Trooper Mark Bessner has resigned amid an investigation into the events surrounding the actions that led to the death of a 15-year-old Detroit boy.
“We need justice for Damon Grimes and State Police Trooper Mark Bessner stepping down is only the first step. The news that he has resigned and two other officers have been suspended shows that there is much more to this story than we know. Damon’s family, the Detroit community, and the entire state deserve answers,” said Lonnie Scott, executive director of Progress Michigan. “We remain concerned about the possibility that the State Police sought to cover up the incident, though we are hopeful for a comprehensive and thorough remaining investigation into the death of Damon Grimes.”
“At a time when police are facing ongoing scrutiny for their actions, including Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue for her outrageous online post about peaceful protesters, and especially when they take innocent lives, it is important those individuals be held responsible for their actions,” Scott continued. “Governor Rick Snyder should be ashamed of standing by a colonel who has displayed such a clear disregard for a specific set of people that clearly impacts her ability to do her job objectively. Progress Michigan renews our call for Col. Etue to resign or to be fired.”
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