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‘Allegation of neglect of duty,’ -- Detroit police sergeant suspended after officer killed

Sergeant was supposed to be at the scene, police say

DETROIT – A somber and emotional memorial was held Monday for officer Rasheen McClain.

RELATED: Detroit police hold candlelight vigil to remember officer killed in line of duty

Hundreds of people -- friends, family members, colleagues and more -- gathered to remember and honor the fallen Detroit police officer. at the 12th Precinct.

McClain, a 16-year veteran of the force was fatally shot Nov. 20.

Chief James Craig suspended a sergeant who should have been at the scene where McClain and Officer Phillippe Batoum-Bisse were shot.

READ: Detroit police sergeant suspended in connection with fatal shooting of officer

Batoum-Bisse was wounded but is expected to be OK.

Police said the 28-year-old suspect was after a 16-year-old girl, shooting up her family’s home on Wyoming Avenue.

READ: Suspect in fatal shooting of Detroit police officer was already under investigation, police say

According to Craig, McClain requested a sergeant and one was assigned. The sergeant didn’t show up despite being a block away when McClain and Batoun-Bisse were shot, Craig said.

“There’s an allegation of neglect of duty," Craig said. "Serious enough to immediately open an investigation. That’s why I initiated the suspension.”

The sergeant in question has been a sergeant for about a year and a half and was suspended with pay.

It’s uncertain if the sergeant’s presence would have changed the outcome of the shooting.

The Detroit Police Commission will decide to dock the sergeant’s pay or not.

A possible suspect was taken into custody, but no charges have been announced in the deadly shooting.


About the Authors
Nick Monacelli headshot

Nick joined the Local 4 team in February of 2015. Prior to that he spent 6 years in Sacramento covering a long list of big stories including wildfires and earthquakes. Raised in Sterling Heights, he is no stranger to the deep history and pride Detroit has to offer.

Dane Kelly headshot

Dane is a producer and media enthusiast. He previously worked freelance video production and writing jobs in Michigan, Georgia and Massachusetts. Dane graduated from the Specs Howard School of Media Arts.

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