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2 TPD officers on restricted duty amid misconduct complaints during Black Lives Matter protest

A city of Toledo spokesperson confirmed one of the officers was seen swinging his helmet and "seemingly striking" a protester.

TOLEDO, Ohio — Two Toledo police officers are on restricted duty following complaints of their conduct during a protest demanding racial justice in the wake of George Floyd's death, a city spokesperson said. 

Melvin Russell and Jeffrey Breeze were put on desk duty last Tuesday and Thursday, respectively. They will have to wear plain clothes to work and won't be allowed to carry a firearm for an undetermined period of time. 

Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said last week that an officer had been put on restrictive duty after a video on social media showed the officer swinging his helmet and "seemingly striking" a protester. A police spokesperson confirmed Tuesday the officer in question was Russell.

RELATED: Kapszukiewicz: TPD officer on restricted duty after video shows him swinging helmet, 'seemingly striking' protester

Toledo police released a statement the Monday following the protests on May 30 saying, "that it is possible there were examples of officer misconduct." 

The statement also noted that "officers had rocks, bricks, gas cans, incendiary devices, m80s, fireworks, eggs, and more hurled at them. Many of those objects struck officers and other protestors, causing injury. When protestors were hurt, Toledo Police, Toledo Fire, and some citizens came to help."

TPD also said they would investigate all formal complaints made against officers. If you would like officials to address your concerns, you can email  TPDconcerns@toledo.oh.gov. Kapszukiewicz has put City Safety Director and Deputy Chief of Staff Karen Poore in charge of reviewing complaints.  

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