SPD Chief Anderson statement on Tyre Nichols death: “tragic and inexcusable”

The Chief of the Shrewsbury Police Department (SPD), Kevin Anderson, has released a statement addressing the death of Tyre Nichols, who passed away on January 10th as a result of injuries sustained from a beating inflicted by five police officers in Memphis, Tennessee.

In the statement, Chief Anderson expresses his condolences to the Nichols family and all those affected by the loss and supports a full and transparent investigation into the incident.

The Town’s top police officer emphasized their commitment to maintaining the highest quality of officers, training, and standards for their police department. The department has a policy of Duty to Intervene, which obligates officers to step in when they see other officers using excessive force or behaving inappropriately.

Tyre Nichols died on January 10, 2023, as a result of injuries sustained from a brutal beating inflicted by five Memphis Police Department officers on January 7th during a traffic stop. Reports indicate that Nichols was pulled out of his vehicle, pepper sprayed, and tasered, then punched, kicked, and struck with a baton by the officers during a three-minute-long assault. The alleged reason for the traffic stop was reckless driving. Despite the severe injuries, Nichols managed to escape but was caught and beaten again. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition and died three days later. An autopsy commissioned by his family revealed that the cause of death was extensive bleeding caused by the severe beating.

Following is the entire statement from SPD Chief Kevin Anderson:

The Shrewsbury Police Department strongly condemns the actions of the Memphis police officers involved in the unnecessary and tragic death of Tyre Nichols. We send our sincere condolences to the Nichols family and all those effected by this loss. We support a thorough and fully transparent investigation into what transpired, and trust that the criminal justice system will hold those responsible for his death fully accountable.

The Shrewsbury Police Department takes great pride in maintaining the highest quality officers, training, and standards for our police department. The Shrewsbury Police Department has a policy which obligates officers with a Duty to Intervene, requiring officers to step in when they see other officers doing something wrong or using excessive force. We are committed every day to building trust and legitimacy, and meaningful relationships with all members of our community.

The death of Tyre Nichols is tragic and inexcusable. The Shrewsbury Police Department will remain committed to emphasizing dignity and respect for everyone in our community and our visitors, and our officers will continue to serve and protect with the highest degree of professionalism and respect for all.