Charges Upgraded After Man Kidnaps Woman in Prichard, Police Investigates Use of Force

Prichard, AL (BuzzReport)- The Prichard Police Department is investigating a recent incident involving two officers who were placed on administrative leave after a video surfaced showing one of them using a baseball bat to subdue a suspect. Devoris Malone, the suspect in question, has had his charges upgraded to include kidnapping in the first degree with intent to terrorize, domestic violence in the third degree, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.

According to police reports, the incident began when officers responded to a domestic disturbance call on Cawthon Street. Detectives Campbell and Brown encountered Malone, who allegedly assaulted his wife and attempted to force her to drive away from the scene. The officers pursued the vehicle and eventually stopped it after Malone refused to comply with commands to unlock the doors.

In an effort to gain access to the vehicle and free the woman, Campbell used a baseball bat found in the back of a patrol vehicle. The bat is not a standard-issued tool for the police department, according to Prichard Mayor Jimmie Gardner. Malone continued to resist arrest, even after being tased, and was eventually subdued with the assistance of additional officers.

The police department is reviewing the incident to determine whether the use of force was justified. Mayor Gardner emphasized that there is more to the story than what is shown in the video. The investigation is ongoing.