Hamilton officer suspended for throwing handcuffed man into concrete

A Hamilton police officer has been suspended for nearly a month after violently throwing a handcuffed 62-year-old man into a concrete surface, according to surveillance footage.

Michael Yordy had entered the police booking area on September 24 after being arrested on a warrant. A confrontation with Officer Stephen Heffernan escalated, resulting in Yordy being knocked unconscious. Video released by the department on November 26 shows Yordy holding paper towels to a deep cut on the right side of his forehead as he was transported on a stretcher. Police records indicate that he required 14 staples at Bethesda North Hospital to close the wound.

In a use-of-force report filed the day after the incident, Heffernan described his actions as defensive "for the subject's safety," claiming that Yordy had kicked him in the stomach, causing both to lose balance and resulting in Yordy hitting his head.

Security footage shows Heffernan and Yordy arguing in the booking room. Heffernan attempted to restrain Yordy further with a second set of handcuffs after Yordy ignored instructions to remain seated. The video depicts Heffernan slamming Yordy's face against the wall and then shoving him backward, causing him to fall into a seated position. Assistant Chief Shawn Fryman reported that Heffernan then grabbed Yordy's neck and dropped his body weight, sending Yordy headfirst about five feet into a cinderblock counter. Yordy remained motionless for over a minute before medical assistance was provided.

Prior to the incident, body camera footage captured Heffernan raising his voice at Yordy during transport to the station after Yordy questioned his arrest. Heffernan was later found on October 8 to have used "unnecessary or unwarranted violence." As a result, he was suspended for 20 days without pay, barred from overtime for six months, and required to undergo training and behavioral management classes.

Following the confrontation, Yordy was initially charged with felony assault on an officer, but the charge was dismissed on October 7 at the request of the Hamilton Police Department. Heffernan had arrested Yordy on September 24 related to a misdemeanor case. Yordy has a history of disorderly conduct, domestic violence, and drug-related offenses. At the hospital, Yordy apologized for escalating the situation.

Heffernans background with the department is partially documented. He previously assisted the public with drug treatment resources in 2022 and appears to have been employed with the Hamilton Police Department since at least 2015. Heffernan declined to comment on the incident, as did his union representative.

Analysis: Hamilton Police Use-of-Force Incident

The recent suspension of Officer Stephen Heffernan highlights significant concerns regarding police conduct during arrests. Surveillance footage clearly shows Heffernan physically escalating the confrontation with 62-year-old Michael Yordy, resulting in serious injury. The video contradicts Heffernan's description of his actions as defensive.

Yordy suffered a deep forehead laceration requiring 14 staples and was rendered unconscious for over a minute before receiving medical attention. The department's internal review concluded that Heffernan employed "unnecessary or unwarranted violence," leading to a 20-day suspension without pay, a six-month overtime ban, and mandatory retraining.

This case underscores the ongoing challenges of accountability and proper use of force in law enforcement. While Yordy has a history of disorderly conduct and prior offenses, the response by Heffernan was deemed excessive, emphasizing the importance of measured and safe handling of detainees, particularly those in handcuffs.

Sources:

• Hamilton officer suspended after throwing handcuffed man into concrete

Author: Maya Henderson
Maya Henderson is a journalist focused on technology and startups. She has experience in leading IT publications and excels at conducting interviews and creating visual content.