WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. - Washtenaw County Sheriff Alyshia M. Dyer has ordered an Internal Affairs investigation into the Aug. 28 arrest of a man following a barricaded domestic assault incident, after video of the arrest circulated online and prompted concerns from community members.

Dyer said she reviewed available body-worn camera footage and directed Internal Affairs to examine the force used during the arrest, statements made at the scene, and the tactics and conduct of the deputies involved.


Investigation underway

The investigation will determine whether the deputies' actions were consistent with Sheriff's Office policies, training and professional standards, Dyer said.

 Those determinations require consideration of the circumstances known to deputies at the time and the totality of the evidence,  Dyer said.

Dyer said Sheriff's Office employees are expected to treat people with dignity, communicate professionally, use de-escalation when reasonably possible, and follow department policies governing the use of force.

Portions of the footage, including the physical interaction and language heard during the encounter, understandably raise questions that warrant careful review. At the same time, a video segment does not, standing alone, resolve questions surrounding a deputy's use of force. Washtenaw County Sheriff Alyshia Dyer

How the incident unfolded

The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. Friday (Aug. 28) when deputies responded to a reported felonious domestic assault involving a potentially armed and barricaded suspect near the Village Grove apartments in Ypsilanti Township, with children reportedly present, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Around 9:40 p.m., a vehicle entered the secured perimeter and did not stop when deputies directed the driver to do 

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