Dash cam video shows trooper aggressively arresting motorcyclist in Cedar County
CEDAR COUNTY, Iowa - Recently released dash cam video is shedding light on why a Corridor sheriff's office is questioning the judgment of one police department.
The video shows a then-Iowa State Patrol trooper Robert Smith using what some call "excessive force" during a routine traffic stop in 2017 in Cedar County.
The man on the motorcycle is Bryce Yakish. He's steps off his motorcycle, Smith quickly moves toward him with his gun drawn.
Yakish does raise up his arms, right before Smith roughly pushes his helmet, causing both Yakish and his motorcycle to topple over.
Yakish was initially charged with eluding law enforcement, but that was later reduced to reckless driving.
Cedar County Sheriff Warren Wethington says someone can only be charged with eluding law enforcement if the driver is going 25 miles over the limit when a law enforcement vehicle's siren and lights are on. Sheriff Wethington tells CBS2/FOX 28 News Yakish was going 83 mph in a 70 mph zone.
It's unclear if Yakish was struggling with Smith on the ground or not. But he was still able to speak.
"I would've went on the ground nicely if you asked," Yakish said.
Smith is now an officer in Durant.
Cedar County Sheriff Warren Wethington said this is just one example of his concerns about police judgement by smith and the Durant Police Department.
Wethington is refusing to book any suspects arrested by that department.
CBS2/FOX 28 did reach out to Yakish, the sheriff's office, and the Durant Police Department, as well as the attorney handling the investigation.
The attorney tells CBS2/FOX 28 News he cannot talk about it at this time. The police chief in Durant responded by e-mail saying they would not be commenting at this time.
