The Murfreesboro Police Department engaged in a vehicle pursuit of a dangerous, violent felon on January 30, 2012. The suspect, who attempted to strike several officers and their patrol vehicles, led officers on a chase throughout the city and was an apparent threat to the community. Following the pursuit, Joseph Sushak was injured when he was mistaken for the suspect and placed into custody. An internal review was conducted by Sergeant Craig Snider in the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). The following is a summary of his findings and conclusions.
During the pursuit, a suspect description of a black male was given over the radio by the initiating officer. At the conclusion of the vehicle pursuit, the suspect struck a Rutherford County Sheriff’s patrol vehicle in front of 1614 Eagle Street. The suspect exited the vehicle and ran behind the house at 1614 Eagle in an attempt to evade capture by responding officers in foot pursuit.
Responding officers immediately began a search of the area and observed a person matching the description running from the direction of the foot pursuit. This individual, later identified as Joseph Sushak, was observed by officers running up the back steps of 718 Minerva Drive in an attempt to gain access to the residence. The back yard of 718 Minerva Drive (the Sushak residence) is behind 1614 Eagle Street, separated by the back yard of 714 Minerva Drive Mr. Sushak was ordered to stop and surrender to officers.
According to Mr. Sushak and responding officers, he went to the ground as directed. The officers then stated he refused to place his left hand behind his back. After a brief struggle, he was handcuffed and taken to a nearby police vehicle. Within 40-minutes, he was ruled out as the suspect by an officer and a supervisor who were directly involved in the pursuit and released from custody. As previously reported, Bounthay Soupholphakdy was taken into police custody at 1614 Eagle Street at 1:19 p.m. and charged with multiple violations. Mr. Soupholphakdy was arrested approximately 25 minutes after Mr. Sushak was released from police custody.
During the struggle, Mr. Sushak sustained an injury to his face and leg. Because he sustained injuries, we offered him medical attention and Mr. Sushak spoke with Rutherford County EMS personnel at the scene. Rutherford County EMS Spokesman Randy White confirmed to OPR that their records indicate that Mr. Sushak refused medical treatment at that time.