Canton detective fired after kicking suspect during arrest

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CANTON, Ohio (WJW) – A Canton police detective who was seen on viral video kicking a suspect to the ground last month has been fired from the department.

City officials confirmed detective Brandon Momirov’s termination Monday evening. The decision comes after an internal review determined he committed “the most serious” violation of the department’s use-of-force policy.

Officers with the Canton Police Department were called to the Mahoning Manor Apartments on Aug. 21 for reports of people fighting in the area.

Police body camera video showed officers, including Momirov, arriving at the scene and chasing after suspects who started fleeing.

Bodycam video showed Momirov run up to one of the suspects, 21-year-old Jaemiir McElroy, who was kneeling with his hands up, before kicking him in the chest and knocking him to the ground.

Video of the arrest sparked outrage in the community and online. FOX 8 previously spoke with McElroy, who said he wasn’t armed and believed he was complying with officer commands at the time of the incident.

The termination letter stated that Momirov failed to properly de-escalate the situation.

“While the scene did appear to be chaotic at times, officers are trained to utilize restraint and control. Detective Momirov’s actions are completely outside the realm of his training and the policies of the city of Canton,” the letter said, in part. “While commands were being given, he did not personally provide verbal commands prior to kicking said subject with his foot to gain compliance.”

Canton Mayor William Sherer II released a statement Monday, saying in part:

As I’ve stated before, the behavior seen in the video we all saw was unacceptable. While I respect our officers who put their lives on the line each day to protect this community, that respect comes with much responsibility and commitment; a commitment to be held to the utmost level of professionalism regardless of the circumstances. I support the decision made today by Director of Public Safety Andrea Perry and will continue to entrust the vision of Police Chief John Gabbard as we forge a path to keep Canton moving forward.

McElroy was taken to jail and went to the hospital with a concussion after his release. He was charged with obstruction and resisting arrest.

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