The Indiana State Police are investigating a Purdue University Campus Security officer for excessive use of force after a video of him choking a Black student on campus went viral.
Student Adonis Tuggle posted the video to his Instagram page of Officer John Selke who allegedly elbowed Tuggle in the face, choked him and pushed his head down into the snow.
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Despite the University making a quick statement after the fact, Tuggle alleged the Purdue Campus Security office refused to give him the body cam footage and absolved the officer of wrongdoing.
The University made a statement when Selke was put on leave.
Purdue University President Mitch Daniels stated:
“Immediately upon learning of the use of force during our police officer’s response, we ordered an investigation."
"Including not only the required review of the officer’s actions as is standard procedure under Purdue University Police policies, but also witness interviews and a release of all video evidence, including body-worn and in-car camera footage."
“The inquiry into the police officer’s handling of the situation will be swift and thorough."
"As an additional step, following the internal review, the Indiana State Police will immediately commence an independent review of the PUPD investigation and video evidence."
"Should there be a finding of misconduct by the officer, appropriate action will be taken promptly."
Racism as clear as dayhttps://twitter.com/willchap19/status/1491553301686542336\u00a0\u2026— RWAMZ DASH STARK (@RWAMZ DASH STARK) 1644814189
actually sickening.https://twitter.com/willchap19/status/1491553301686542336\u00a0\u2026— nola \ud83e\udd8b (@nola \ud83e\udd8b) 1644589461
Selke charged Tuggle with resisting arrest and brought him to Tippecanoe County Jail on Friday night.
Tuggle posted a $250 bond and was released shortly thereafter.
Chief John Cox of the Purdue University Campus Security office claimed in a statement he would conduct his own full investigation into the incident as well.
however regardless of the reason why the cop was there, there\u2019s no reason to illegally put your elbow in a civilian\u2019s throat. 2/2— the bitch \u2640 (@the bitch \u2640) 1644693210
hey @lifeatpurdue and @purduemitch -- when can we expect an official statement condemning the police brutality that occurred on campus? Purdue police officers attacking Black men seems very much against the goals of the equity task force.— stephanie masta, ph.d (@stephanie masta, ph.d) 1644488725
WHY ISNT THE NATIONAL NEWS NOT RAISING AWARENESS FOR THE OFFICER WHO CHOKED, PUNCHED, AND ELBOWED A MAN IN THE FACE FOR HAVING AN ARGUMENT WITH HIS GIRLFRIEND!?! IT WAS 100% JUST BECAUSE OF HIS SKIN COLOR. I JUST WATCHED THE VIDEO AND I AM DUMBFOUNDED AT THE LACK OF AWARENESS— zen (@zen) 1644514492
Action was taken after Black students organized a town hall with the University and when the video began to go viral on the internet.
It\u2019s packed at tonight\u2019s town hall organized by Purdue\u2019s Black Student Union\u2026after a video went viral of an altercation between a student and a Purdue police officer. More tonight at 11pm on @WTHRcompic.twitter.com/pP9yGMicdX— Lauren Kostiuk (@Lauren Kostiuk) 1644537816
My understanding is that the Purdue Police Department has had body cameras since the start of the semester. Release the footage.https://twitter.com/Britney_Bailey_/status/1491531650945200134\u00a0\u2026— Davis Dunn (@Davis Dunn) 1644444962
There are people who never know the fear of a having the police called on you and knowing they won\u2019t believe your side. It\u2019s the fear that Adonis Tuggle at Purdue University experienced and worst. Policing is never going to be safe for us. \nStop trying to convince us— Dr. T Loading... (@Dr. T Loading...) 1644456576
The Indiana State Police have taken over the investigation into the conduct of both the officer and the Purdue security department.
Neither Tuggle nor the University have provided any further updates at this time.
