Lieutenant Matthew Furman's Trail of Alleged Misconduct and Assault in the Melvindale Police Force - A Shocking Overview of Years in Damages

Melvindale Police Lieutenant Matthew Furman: A Chronology of Misconduct Allegations and Legal Proceedings

Recent Incidents and Legal Actions

In July 2024, Lt. Furman conducted a traffic stop involving Drakkar Williams, who was driving with a revoked license. During the stop, Furman allegedly used a Taser multiple times on Williams and, while Williams was handcuffed, purportedly slammed his head into a fire truck. Most charges against Williams were later dismissed, and he has filed a civil lawsuit against Furman and the Melvindale Police Department, alleging assault, battery, and false arrest. WXYZ 7 News Detroit+1WXYZ 7 News Detroit+1

In another incident, Furman stopped Alica Cook in a school parking lot for expired registration tags. The encounter escalated, and Furman tased Cook twice in front of her children. All charges against Cook were subsequently dropped. WMYD

Past Allegations and Disciplinary Actions

Furman's history includes a 2019 case where he was charged with assault and willful neglect of duty after an incident involving an intoxicated man who fell down stairs during police intervention. Furman pleaded no contest to willful neglect of duty, resulting in probation and mandatory anger management classes. WDIV+4WXYZ 7 News Detroit+4Wayne County+4WXYZ 7 News Detroit+5Wayne County+5WXYZ 7 News Detroit+5

Former Melvindale Police Chief Chad Hayse has alleged that Furman engaged in repeated acts of police brutality and that attempts to hold him accountable were met with resistance, partly due to the revenue generated from Furman's high volume of tickets and tows. WXYZ 7 News Detroit+1WXYZ 7 News Detroit+1

Current Status and Investigations

Lt. Furman is currently on administrative leave while investigations into his conduct continue. The Michigan State Police and Wayne County Prosecutor's Office are reviewing the incidents for potential criminal charges.FOX 2 Detroit+2FOX 2 Detroit+2WXYZ 7 News Detroit+2

Departmental Challenges

The Melvindale Police Department faces broader challenges, including staffing shortages and low officer morale. Officers have cited low pay, lack of benefits, and inadequate resources as contributing factors to the department's struggles. FOX 2 Detroit+1WDIV+1

These incidents span from excessive use of force to legal disputes involving both citizens and fellow officers. Below is a detailed timeline of the most significant events:

February 1, 2019 – Assault and Willful Neglect of Duty Charges

Furman responded to a call involving a drunk and disorderly individual. During the encounter, it's alleged that Furman caused the intoxicated man to fall down a flight of stairs, leading to hospitalization. He was charged with misdemeanor assault and battery, as well as willful neglect of duty. Furman entered a no contest plea to the neglect charge, resulting in one year of probation and mandatory anger management classes. The assault charge was dismissed as part of the plea agreement. WDIV+3FOX 2 Detroit+3Wayne County+3Justia+3WXYZ 7 News Detroit+3FOX 2 Detroit+3Wayne CountyWDIV

2016 – Alleged Excessive Force During Traffic Stop

A woman claimed that during a traffic stop for lack of insurance, Furman forcibly removed her from her vehicle and restrained her in front of her children. Furman was suspended for three days; however, the suspension was later overturned by the Public Safety Commission. WXYZ 7 News DetroitWXYZ 7 News Detroit

2016 – Accusation of Assaulting a Robbery Suspect

Furman was accused of slamming a handcuffed robbery suspect's head into a police car, resulting in injury. A lieutenant reported witnessing the incident, and another officer testified that Furman "went way over the line." Furman denied causing the injury, attributing it to others involved in the incident. WXYZ 7 News Detroit

2017 – Lawsuits Involving Former Police Chief Chad Hayse

Former Melvindale Police Chief Chad Hayse filed a federal lawsuit alleging that Furman engaged in repeated acts of police brutality and that attempts to hold him accountable were discouraged due to the revenue generated from his traffic stops and vehicle tows. Furman filed a counter-lawsuit claiming retaliation. Both lawsuits were settled out of court. WXYZ 7 News Detroit

2021 – Use of Force During High-Speed Chase Arrest

Following a high-speed chase, Furman was recorded on bodycam footage stomping on a suspect's leg multiple times during the arrest. A Dearborn officer reported the incident, but Furman was not disciplined. He defended his actions as a form of pain compliance. WXYZ 7 News Detroit

July 20, 2024 – Controversial Traffic Stop and Lawsuit

Furman stopped Drakkar Williams for driving around traffic barricades. Williams, who was driving with a revoked license and without insurance, was subjected to multiple Taser drive-stuns by Furman and alleged that Furman slammed his head into a fire truck while handcuffed. Most charges against Williams were later dismissed, and he filed a civil lawsuit against Furman and the Melvindale Police Department alleging assault, battery, and false arrest. WXYZ 7 News Detroit+1WXYZ 7 News Detroit+1

Internal and External Investigations

Furman's actions have been the subject of investigations by both the Michigan State Police and the Melvindale Police Department. He has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcomes of these investigations. WXYZ 7 News Detroit

Departmental Challenges and Public Response

The Melvindale Police Department has faced broader challenges, including staffing shortages and low officer morale. Officers have cited low pay, lack of benefits, and inadequate resources as contributing factors to the department's struggles. FOX 2 Detroit

Mayor Nicke Shkira has expressed concerns about Furman's conduct, stating that he may lack de-escalation skills and that some officers are hesitant to work with him. WXYZ 7 News Detroit

Conclusion

Lieutenant Matthew Furman's career with the Melvindale Police Department has been marked by a series of controversial incidents and legal challenges. As investigations continue, the department faces scrutiny over its handling of misconduct allegations and the broader implications for community trust and police accountability.