LANCASTER, Ky. (LEX NEWS) — Three Lancaster police officers have been placed on administrative suspension while an internal investigation is conducted into an incident that occurred Friday evening, according to Lancaster Mayor Michael Gaffney.
In a statement posted on social media, Gaffney said city officials are aware of the incident involving a Lancaster man and that a complaint has been filed regarding the officers' actions.
"Due to the serious nature of the allegations, and in accordance with Kentucky Revised Statutes and the department's internal policies and procedures, all three officers have been placed on administrative suspension pending the outcome of the investigation," Gaffney said.
Ronnie Lee Maples told LEX News on Monday that his grandfather, Ronald Maples, suffered four broken vertebrae, a fractured jaw, severe hand lacerations and a bruised face following the incident. Ronald is now seeking legal representation from attorney Ephraim Helton.
According to Ronnie Lee, the situation began when Ronald had ongoing trouble with neighbors who live behind his house on Colony Road, who he said were repeatedly trespassing on his property. Ronald put up a no trespassing sign in response.
"He ended up putting a chain around his yard with a no trespassing sign up, neighbors take the no trespassing sign down and they go throw it on his porch and that's when they initially called the law as far as I know," Ronnie Lee said.
According to the family, Lancaster police then showed up and knocked on Ronald's door.
"He's deaf like almost legally deaf, can't hear nothing, you know 84," Ronnie Lee said.
After several minutes, Ronnie Lee described what he says happened when his grandfather arrived at the door.
"As he goes to reach for the door he goes to open the door for them and they yank the door on him essentially pulling him out of the door with him, from there he doesn't remember anything from there," Ronnie Lee said.
Audio from Garrard County dispatch includes a reference to an officer being hit, with a dispatcher saying he "was hit with a door then a fist."
Gaffney said complaints involving members of the police department must be taken seriously while also ensuring those involved receive due process.
"Every individual involved is entitled to due process, and no conclusions regarding the allegations will be made until the investigation has been completed," Gaffney said.
Ronald was transported to the hospital Friday night and released Saturday. He is charged with third-degree assault and resisting arrest.
Ronnie Lee offered his assessment of how police handled the situation.
"Not saying all cops are bad because they're not but it just shows there are bad ones," Ronnie Lee said.
Gaffney said the city will allow the investigative process to proceed and will take any appropriate action based on the findings.
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