Columbus Police Officer Donovan Bever has been terminated following the release of bodycam footage showing his violent arrest of a 14-year-old Black teen. The video captured Bever slamming the boy’s face into the ground and dragging him by his dreadlocks, leading to his dismissal for abusive behavior and excessive use of force.
The incident, which occurred on February 19, involved Bever grabbing the teenager by his dreadlocks and forcefully slamming his face into the concrete. Despite the situation not warranting such extreme measures, Bever continued to push the boy’s face into the ground, throw objects from his pockets at him, and strike him in the face. After handcuffing the teen, Bever threatened him, saying, “You move, I will break your face.” He then dragged the teen by his dreadlocks to a police van and struck him in the groin during another search.
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant expressed her outrage upon reviewing Bever’s bodycam footage. “It angers me. I’m disappointed. I’m angry. I’m frustrated because this is not what we stand for and there was absolutely no reason or justification for treating a 14-year-old or anyone like that,” she stated.
The violent arrest occurred during a traffic stop in the Linden area, where officers approached two 14-year-olds walking in the street. The teens ran when they saw the police, prompting Bever and another officer to chase them. Despite the teens complying, the situation escalated when Bever used excessive force during the arrest.
Bever’s actions, captured on video, included not only physical violence but also inappropriate comments directed at the teen. He was relieved of duty shortly after the incident, but his formal termination came months later.
Chief Bryant assured the community that the department acted swiftly in response to the incident, meeting with the teen’s family to address their concerns. “They were disappointed about the actions of the officers, but they were relieved and happy with the swift action that the department and the director of public safety took in addressing this issue,” Bryant said.
This incident has sparked renewed discussions about police conduct and the use of excessive force, particularly against Black individuals. The firing of Officer Bever highlights the department’s commitment to accountability and the importance of addressing misconduct within the police force.
