Rice County Sheriff Says Memphis Video ‘Disturbing’

Jesse Thomas, Rice County Sheriff, told KDHL AM Minnesota listeners today he saw the body cam video of Tyre Nichols arrest in Memphis.

He said it was, "hard to watch."

Thomas was asked if the video will be used for training purposes.

Nichols was beaten by five arresting officers and a sixth officer has also been fired by the Memphis Police Department.

He was pulled over for alleged reckless driving.

The incident happened on January 7, 2023.  Nichols died from his injuries January 10, 2023.

The video shows officers repeatedly punching and kicking the 29 year old who does not appear to be resisting them.

The Rice County Sheriff took the opportunity on the program to remind people to be safe on ice in the area.

Thomas reminds people if they go through the ice to call the Sheriff's Office.

We covered several other topics including progress on construction of the new Public Safety Center on the north edge of Faribault.

Wells Concrete has been putting up walls since January 20, 2023.  Each concrete panel weighs 22,900 pounds.

Thomas says they are about two months ahead of schedule for that portion of the construction but still believe the 76 bed jail and Sheriff's Office will be completed fall 2024.