COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Coldwater Mayor Tom Kramer has issued a statement concerning last July’s incident at the Branch County Jail involving former Coldwater Police Officer Lewis Eastmead, which has cast the city in a negative light.
A federal lawsuit was filed against the police department and the City of Coldwater in December 2017 by former Coldwater resident Tiffany McNeil over the incident, which was videotaped by Sheriff’s Department cameras and picked up by news organizations all over the world.
Many condemned the actions of Eastmead and other officers in the video on social media.
Eastmead was no longer employed by the city as of January 12, 2018.
Kramer said in his statement he had to choose his words carefully due to ongoing litigation.
While he said he found the Coldwater Police Department to be professional and well managed, Kramer says, “we do not tolerate, condone, or accept anything but professionalism, and anyone who believes otherwise is mistaken. We have dealt with this matter strongly, within parameters established by the city’s labor agreements and the law, and we will continue to work hard to ensure that the department continues its long-standing tradition of quality and respectful service to the citizens.”
The mayor went on to say “while I respect and support an individual’s right to express their opinion, misinformation, unfounded allegations, and outright lies do not make someone a leader. Leadership comes from trying to make Coldwater a better place, listening and engaging in honest debate, and working together.”
McNeil charged excessive force and a civil rights violation. She is demanding damages of $75,000 or greater. McNeil is also claiming police lied about the incident in their reports. She was brought to the jail following a domestic incident with her husband in which she consumed alcohol.
