EUCLID, Ohio– The Euclid police officer fired after a violent arrest caught on video will get his job back, the FOX 8 I-Team learned on Monday.
An arbitrator ruled in favor of Michael Amiott and found the city of Euclid, “did not have just cause to terminate.” The 15-day suspension was upheld, but the extra 30-day suspension was reversed. Amiott was also award back pay.
Euclid police pulled over Richard Hubbard, 25, of Cleveland, for a traffic violation on Aug. 12, 2017. He was accused of ignoring officers’ orders. Video from the incident showed an officer, Amiott, punching Hubbard several times while he was on the ground.
Hubbard was charged with resisting arrest and driving on a suspended license. He appeared in court in a neck brace. The charges were later dropped.
Euclid Mayor Kristen Gail fired Amiott two months after the incident.
“We appreciate the Mayor’s respect for the process and taking this, with the union, through the binding arbitration process with a neutral arbitrator. We expect that Officer Amiott will do his best to serve the community upon his return,” FOP #18 President Dave Trend said.
The mayor said she was disappointed with the decision and insisted Amiott will be monitored.
When Amiott returns to patrols, he will be with a field training officer. He will also undergo 80 hours of use of force training.
His removal from the SWAT team was upheld.
“Policing has to be effective and perceived to be effective by all members of the community. Our goal remains to continuously upgrade and improve the Euclid Police Department,” Gail said. “Since Patrolman Amiott’s termination in October 2017, the EPD implemented new programs such as the use of force review committee; enhanced training in areas such as community relations, de-escalation techniques, procedural justice, implicit bias; and increased proactive community engagement efforts.”