Derby scuffle officer has internal affairs history 12:37 AM CST on Thursday, January 19, 2006
By REBECCA LOPEZ / WFAA-TV
Camille Dubose A witness captured the officer restraining Michelle Metzinger.
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The Dallas police officer accused of using excessive force while placing a female roller skating on Elm Street under arrest Saturday is not a stranger to such allegations, according to police records.
The Dallas Police Department has launched an internal affairs investigation into the scuffle that occurred between Officer Ceaphus Gordon and Michelle Metzinger, a 25-year-old roller derby skater for Assassination City.
However, it will not be the department's first look into the 15-year Dallas police veteran's actions.
Police records show since 1994 there have been at least six allegations of excessive force, physical abuse or assault.
Gordon has been disciplined twice for escalating or participating in a disturbance and once for conduct discrediting the department. Also Online
Rebecca Lopez reports
Stories differ after officer, skater scuffle
Many witnesses who saw the latest incident said they have no doubt that Gordon used excessive force Saturday night.
One witness called Gordon's actions "a textbook example of unnecessary, excessive force."
"He grabbed her again by the hair, flipped her down on the ground and planted a knee on the side of her head and cut her face up on the concrete," said witness Derek Conway.
Dallas police Chief David Kunkle said the department is taking the allegation seriously.
"We just thought it was good to start the investigation now while the memories of the witnesses are fresh and they'll be easy to find," Kunkle said. Camille Dubose Blood was left on the concrete after the scuffle between Dallas Officer Ceaphus Gordon and Michelle Metzinger.
Officer Gordon claimed Metzinger was trying to gouge his eyes while struggling with him when the incident occurred.
While witnesses said Officer Gordon's force was unnecessary, some who live and work in Deep Ellum said police have a tough job policing the area.
"The police here are all wired up late at night," said Barry Annino, President of Deep Ellum Improvement. "It's a very sensitive time, so I can see how things might happen if you're pressing them."
Some of the probes into allegations pointed at Officer Gordon were inconclusive, and he has received some commendations for good work.
Meanwhile, Metzinger and her attorney said they may also file a complaint against him.
E-mail rlopez@wfaa.com