Ohio Cop Terrorizes Family: Witness Gets it on Video

photo: Christine Lipper via YouTube

Here we go again.

What began as a routine traffic stop resulted in a man, his girlfriend, and his 14-year old son being tossed on the pavement and thrown in handcuffs.

Aaron Tatkowski had just arrived home when he saw his daughter-in-law, Cassandra Meyers, being pulled over by Officer Eric Hart.  There was something about the way Hart was speaking to Meyers that made Tatkowski get out of his truck to question the officer’s behavior.  The officer ordered Tatkowski to return to his truck, and he complied.

That’s when things spiraled out of control.

“He hollered for me to get back in my truck, so I got back in my truck,” Tatkowski told CBS affiliate WTOL. “Next thing you know, I’m yanked out of the truck and it made my girlfriend say a few things. He yanked her out of the truck.”

Tatkowski says Hart pulled himself, his girlfriend, and his 14-year-old son out of the truck and threw them to the ground. His two young granddaughters, who were sitting in the back seat, remained in the truck.

At one point Hart aimed a Taser and a handgun at the family, pointing the weapons directly at Tatkowski’s head.

Another witness attempted to call 911 for help.  Hart grabbed the man’s phone and tossed it aside.

This is when a witness began recording the incident (warning: contains strong language):

Tatkowski says he complied with the officer’s instructions. He was charged with misconduct at an emergency, obstructing official business, and resisting arrest, and was taken to a hospital for injuries to his knee and elbow. Hart was treated at the scene for scratches.

Officer Hart has been placed on paid administrative leave, and the Washington Township Police Department says it is investigating the incident.

A witness told WTOL that Hart overreacted.

“It was totally uncalled for, the way (the officer) was using force on people,” said Jim Stechschulte. “I’m sorry to say that, but that’s the way it is and if they don’t like it, so be it.”