A former Miami area police officer was charged with assault and misconduct after images appeared of him putting his knee on a woman’s neck and using an electric pistol outside of a strip club in January.
The Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office said Thursday that Jordy Yanes Martel, 30, turned himself in and was held on $ 6,000 bail.
The charges against Martel stem from an alleged incident on January 14 in front of a strip club in Miami Gardens, reports NBC News.
Safiya Satchell, the accuser, was in her truck when Martel approached her, who was working at the club as off-duty security, although she was still wearing a uniform. The strip club manager reportedly asked Martel to send Satchell a rape warning because he allegedly tipped a server when he left the club unhappy. The warning meant that if Satchell returned to the club, she could be charged with trespassing.
Body camera and cell phone images show Martel telling Satchell to get out of the car and walk his patrol with him so he can write him a warning. Satchell wanted to drive to Martel’s patrol car, but Martel can be heard saying “I’m going to get you out of the car,” if she doesn’t get out of the car.
Satchell is heard responding “get me out of the car,” with Martel proceeding to do so. He then used a leg sweep to force Satchell to the ground, before using a stun gun on her twice and placing his knee on her neck.
According to the documents presented, Satchell suffered bruises and abrasions, and the charges against him were eventually dropped.
“Civil oversight of the police departments in our cities has long guaranteed that our officers are not only serving but protecting our community,” Satchell’s attorney said in a statement. “If you are an officer who has broken politics or acted under the law with the belief that black lives don’t matter, you should be looking over your shoulder because chickens have finally come home to rest.”
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, in his arrest affidavit for Martel, said he lied about his arrest report and had no reason to arrest Satchell. The department also stated that he never informed her that she was being arrested and that she used excessive force. Overall, Martel faces two counts of assault and four counts of official misconduct.
Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert confirmed at a press conference announcing Martel’s charges that he supported Martel’s firing of the Miami Gardens police force, according to NBC.
.
