Fairfield Police Officer Reassigned After Video Shows Student Being Struck During Arrest

A Fairfield police officer struck 16-year-old Maurice Williams several times during an arrest attempt at Fairfield High School last week. The incident followed a fight between students on campus. Bodycam video shows the officer, who has not been named, pinning Williams to the ground and delivering multiple strikes while yelling for him to give his hands.

Fairfield police stated the actions were distraction strikes used before the student was restrained. Williams' family members said he was beaten. His step-mother stated at a press conference that no parent should have to watch a loved one treated that way.

Hamilton said the same officer pulled her from a vehicle by her shirt and hair during a 2018 traffic stop when she was 18. Hamilton was cited for speeding and failing to yield. Hamilton told ABC 7 the incident was similar to what happened to Williams and questioned why the officer remained on duty.

Fairfield police said both Williams and another student were arrested for causing a disturbance and resisting arrest. Officers also reported finding sharp objects in backpacks taken during the fight. The Fairfield police chief said the officer has been administratively reassigned while the department reviews the incident.

Community advocate Berry Accius described the event as part of a pattern of excessive force.