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Former Detroit Police Department Commander and Police Officer Charged in Assault

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Detroit Police Department former Commander Timothy Larrance Leach, 48 (DOB: 09/10/1969), and Detroit Police Office Frederick Eugene Person, 53 (DOB: 02/27/1965), in connection with the assault of civilian Michael Ryan Karpovich, 42, of Washington Township in a restaurant during the St. Patrick's Day Parade festivities in Corktown. Defendant Leach was demoted to position of lieutenant shortly after this incident.

On March 11, 2018 at approximately 3:38 p.m., Detroit police officers and EMTs were dispatched to a restaurant located in the 1400 block of Michigan Avenue in response to multiple 911 calls regarding a patron unconscious on the dining room floor. Defendant Leach, off-duty at the time, was working in the capacity of a security guard at the restaurant. He did not obtain approval for secondary employment from the Detroit Police Department, and did not have a license to work as a private security guard. It is alleged that Leach forcibly escorted the victim toward the front door. It is further alleged that during this attempted ejection, Defendant Leach forcibly pushed the victim, who fell to the floor and sustained a significant head injury causing him to lose consciousness. Medics at the scene transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment. The victim has been released from the hospital, but continues to recuperate from his injuries. After the incident it is alleged that Defendant Leach failed to file a report regarding the use of force.

Defendant Leach has been charged with Assault to do Great Bodily Harm (10-year felony), Aggravated Assault (one year misdemeanor), Neglect of Duty (one year misdemeanor), No License Security Guard (four year felony) and Tampering with Evidence (four year felony)*.

Defendant Person was present at the scene of the assault and working as security at the restaurant. It is alleged that when he was questioned by Detroit police officers, he knowingly provided false information regarding the circumstances of the assault, failed to file a report regarding the use of force, failed to obtain approval to engage in secondary employment and tampered with evidence. He has been charged with Obstruction of Justice (five year felony), Neglect of Duty (one year misdemeanor) and Tampering with Evidence (four year felony)*.

Prosecutor Worthy said, "It is disappointing that we have to level charges against one of the Detroit Police Department's top brass and yet another officer. These alleged actions do not represent the hard working men and women who work each day to protect Detroit."

Both defendants were arraigned at 10:30 a.m. this morning before 36^th District Court Magistrate Jeffrey Kleparek. The probable cause conferences are scheduled for May 31, 2018 at 8:30 a.m.; the preliminary examinations are scheduled for June 5, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. Both hearings are before Judge Deborah Lewis Langston in 36^th District Court. Leach received a $50,000/10% bond; Person received a $25,000 personal bond.

*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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