Detroit Police Chief James Craig held a press Tuesday to address allegations of a cover up after a man involved in an altercation with an off-duty DPD commander remains unresponsive.
“When I hear cover-up, I want to make it certainly clear, crystal clear, that this department does not engage in that and when we find out, we address that issue," said Craig. "Now that doesn’t mean an individual may attempt to cover up their misdeeds, but when we find out, we take proper action to address it.”
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Michael Karpovich, 41, was involved in an altercation with Commander Timothy Leach during the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Corktown.
Leach was working security inside the Ottava Via restaurant and bar on Michigan Avenue last Sunday when allegedly he tossed out an 'unruly patron,' according to police. Craig said Leach working as a bouncer was unauthorized.
Karpovich's attorney says he is unresponsive with multiple skull fractures, a bilateral brain contusion. He is also on a ventilator.
His family released the following statement:
"We met with DPD and we will not be doing any interviews until the investigation is over, we have full confidence in the investigation. DPD is interviewing witness's and looking at all video."
According to Craig, 911 calls were made after the incident, but when police arrived they were told that Karpovich slipped and fell which caused the injury. It was then turned over to EMS who took him to the hospital. Craig told police they weren't aware of an altercation until March 14.
When that happened, Craig said officers were dispatched, and now there are two investigations going on. A criminal investigation and an internal investigation.
According to Craig, there are two problems with Leach: The first that Leach was working unauthorized outside of the department and second that he did not report any use of force. Craig said that officers, whether on duty or off duty, are required to file a report if there is a use of force.
The investigation is still ongoing, according to Craig, and he has also notified Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy about the incident.
When asked if he thinks there will be more discipline, Craig said it is "highly likely."
