The Wayne County jury trial of former Melvindale police Lieutenant Matthew Furman got underway yesterday, putting a spotlight on a onetime high-ranking officer now accused of repeatedly firing his department-issued Taser and using excessive force during traffic stops. Two of Furman’s three criminal cases landed before the same jury, which heard from alleged victims on day one as the court reviewed body camera video and sharply conflicting accounts.
Prosecutors argue Furman tased motorists during separate 2024 encounters and used force that went beyond what was necessary, while the defense counters that his tactics followed department policy. Local coverage says both Drakkar Williams and Alica Cook testified yesterday and that jurors watched body camera footage from the stops. As reported by WXYZ, defense attorney Dennis Whittie insisted Furman’s actions were justified.
Williams’ Testimony And Bodycam Video
On the stand, Drakkar Williams described a July 20, 2024 traffic stop that he said ended with Furman repeatedly drive-stunning him with a Taser while other officers pinned him outside…..