MIAMI, Okla. (AP) — The Miami city manager says he's begun termination proceedings against four officers on the town's police force.
Three of the officers had been on paid leave since October over the arrest of Jerry Dean Payne on suspicion of driving under the influence. Criminal charges against Payne were later dismissed, and Payne has filed a civil rights lawsuit against the city, alleging the use of excessive force during the traffic stop.
City Manager Jeff Bishop tells the Miami News-Record that termination proceedings have begun, but the officers will have 10 days to appeal the decision before it's final. Bishop did not release the names of the officers being fired.
Bishop says the terminations are for "violations of internal policies."