Police Chief under Investigation After Excessive Force Claim

by MARK BOONE / NewsChannel 36
E-mail Mark: MBoone@WCNC.COM

Posted on March 26, 2010 at 11:44 PM

Updated yesterday at 11:44 PM

GREAT FALLS, S.C. — State investigators are examining a claim that a police chief used excessive force during an arrest earlier this year.

Relatives of Patricia Brown told NewsChannel 36 they complained to town leaders and the Chester County Sheriff’s Office about her treatment in the January 15 arrest.

Tiffany Patterson, who claimed she witnessed the arrest, said Brown was handcuffed by Chief Steven Rice and thrown to the ground with her face hitting a sand and gravel parking lot next to Chester Avenue.

Brown’s relatives said her face was badly bruised during the encounter.

“It wasn’t right,” Patterson said.

Brown, 57, was charged with simple possession of marijuana and loitering for the purpose of engaging in drug activity, according to the News & Reporter of Chester. She could not be reached Friday evening.

Rice remains on the job, pending the investigation by the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division.

He did not return messages Friday.

Rice reportedly told the News & Reporter “I emphatically deny any misconduct or excessive force allegations.”