Video Of Athens Police Officer Beating Drunk Fraternity Member Surfaces

Harrison Lee10 years ago

Back on June 13, Athens police was called to a local Marriott hotel in response to an intoxicated trespasser. The trespasser was 19-year-old UGA student Michael Roquet, who is also a member of Phi Kappa Tau. A 17-year veteran of the force, Jonathan Fraser, led Michael to a parking lot next to the Phi Kappa Tau house where he asked him to go inside. Michael did not comply. After breaking free of Fraser’s hold, Roquet attempted to go inside the house when Fraser took him to the ground and beat him with his baton.

Here is the video of the incident (The incident begins around the 6:55 mark):

In his initial report, Fraser made mention that Roquet had struck him, and that is why he used excessive force. This video shows that Fraser was lying. He also tried to justify his decision because he was “tunnel visioned” and “knows he is out of shape.” Fraser also failed to comply with the protocol of calling for medical assistance for the injured student. Roquet suffered a concussion and had multiple bumps on his head.

On July 3, the Athens Police Department fired Fraser for his actions.

From Red And Black:

Jonathan Fraser, a 17-year veteran officer with the Athens-Clarke County police, was fired July 3 after an internal investigation concluded that he used excessive force in arresting 19-year-old student Michael Roquet during an incident early in the morning on June 13.

“This kind of action, of course, is not going to be tolerated by the Athens-Clarke County police department,” said ACC Police Chief Scott Freeman. “And I have to say this – and I keep re-iterating this – this is not typical for an Athens-Clarke County police officer. It is very embarrassing for the police department, but we are taking ownership of it because this is not who we are as an agency.”

Good on Athens police to rid themselves of Fraser. Should Michael have complied with the initial requests to go in the house? Yes, but Fraser had no right to beat this kid down for it..

[via Red And Black]