A deputy U.S. Marshal is on leave for using a racial slur during an arrest in Lorain and that language was recorded on Facebook Live
Dash cam video released gives us a look into the arrest that took place on Friday.
According to Lorain police, the driver, Zi'Aire Duffy, had felony warrants through Elyria stemming from an aggravated robbery. He was arrested after police said he rammed his car into an narcotics officer's vehicle when authorities attempted to block him from fleeing. But it's what happened during the search of Duffy's car caught on a Facebook live video that has led to an internal investigation.
The video was reportedly recorded by the passenger in the car, Mariah Robinson. You can see it in the player below. (WARNING: Graphic language)
Shortly after the start of the Facebook video, the screen goes dark after it apparently ends up in between the seats inside the car where police said they located the phone. While police searched the car, racially inappropriate language was broadcasted on Facebook from the phone.
A tip to police made them aware of the Facebook video and the racial language used.
U.S. Marshal Peter Elliott issued the following statement:
"We are aware of the recorded incident and the inappropriate language used by a deputy U.S. Marshal during the arrest of Zaire Duffy last Friday. The deputy marshal has been placed on administrative leave, and district management has referred the matter to USMS internal affairs for investigation. We have zero tolerance for this type of behavior, which does not represent our agency’s core values of justice, integrity and service. We are disgusted by the use of such repugnant language, because we strive to treat everyone professionally, regardless of alleged crimes. The agency takes seriously any allegation of misconduct by its personnel. As a matter of policy, USMS does not reveal the identity of employees in reference to specific personnel matters."
The deputy Marshal's name is not being released at this time, however the deputy will remain on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Lorain police said Duffy is facing multiple charges, including "felonious assault on several police officers, for his actions during this pursuit." According to police, approximately 20 grams of heroin was found inside of Duffy’s vehicle. Police said Robinson was brought to the station where she admited that Duffy had thrown pills from the vehicle during the pursuit, and had given her cash and drugs to conceal. Police said approximately 18 grams of crack cocaine and $4,800 were recovered from Johnson. Johnson was not arrested, but the incident will be "forwarded to the Lorain County Grand Jury for consideration of charges."