Tyreek Hill beat a seat belt violation and reckless driving charge in Miami after both tickets were dropped following his dramatic run-in with police months earlier, according to multiple reports.
The Miami Dolphins wide receiver was dragged from his car and pinned to the ground on his way to a game on September 8 before ultimately calling for the arresting officer to be fired.
Andy Slater of Fox Sports Miami reported that Miami-Dade police officers failed to appear for a court hearing, leading to the firing.
Hill had previously hired a slew of new attorneys on the case, including one who represented George Floyd’s family in 2020. That step now appears unnecessary because Hill is no longer cited for the violations.
Danny Torres, the arresting officer and 27-year veteran of the Miami-Dade Police Department, was ultimately placed on administrative duties after the incident. Torres had previously been suspended six times for various violations, according to the department.
Dolphins star Tyreek Hill was dragged from his car and placed in handcuffs in September
Danny Torres (photo) has been suspended ‘several times’ in the past, it appears
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) jogs back to the locker room on November 11
The Dolphins star has called for Torres to be fired, saying he was too rough with him during the incident.
“After a careful and thorough review of the multi-body cameras and videos from concerned citizens that captured the unfortunate events that occurred on Sunday, September 8, 2024 between several Miami Dade Police Department officers and Tyreek Hill, we demand the immediate termination of the officer placed on administrative leave,” Hill said in a statement through attorney Julius B. Collins.
Shocking videos showed Hill handcuffed and held on the ground after he was stopped for speeding, while an officer even appeared to punch him on the sidewalk.
As he was forcibly apprehended by police, several of Hill’s teammates stopped to try to de-escalate the situation, and defensive tackle Calais Campbell himself was briefly placed in handcuffs.
In the astonishing footage, police could be heard telling Hill to “stop crying” as the NFL star said, “Take me to jail… do what you gotta do.”
On Tuesday, police reports alleged Hill was stopped for allegedly driving 60mph in a 60mph zone – without wearing a seatbelt. He was fined a total of $308.
According to police, Hill was stopped because he was believed to be driving 60 miles per hour
“On at least two occasions during the traffic stop, the escalating officer placed his hands on or around Mr. Hill’s neck. After Mr. Hill was forcibly pulled from his vehicle, this officer was then forcibly placed face down on the sidewalk,” Hill’s statement from his attorney added.
“The officer then placed his knee in Mr. Hill’s back and his hand around Mr. Hill’s neck. After handcuffing Mr. Hill and standing on the sidewalk after being ordered to sit down, Mr. Hill informed the requesting officer of his intention to do so, and there the same officer as before grabbed Mr. Hill from behind and forces him to the ground. As he did so, the officer again placed his hand on or around Mr. Hill’s neck.
“Even as Mr. Hill informed the officer that he was having a procedure performed on his knee, the officer ignored his statement and continued to escalate his use of force.
“Every action a law enforcement officer takes is governed by standard operating procedures. We believe that the officers’ use of force was excessive, escalating and reckless. We demand that the officer be dismissed with immediate effect.”
The wide receiver was pinned to the ground by officers prior to the Dolphins’ season opener
Hill now claims he was seriously injured while in captivity.
Ahead of Miami’s Week 10 Monday Night Football game against the LA Rams, Hill told ESPN’s Lisa Salters that he is dealing with a torn ligament in his wrist. He also noted that the injury was again aggravated by his encounter with the officers.
“He said it’s something he’s been dealing with all season,” Salters said on air. He said it first started in training camp, but then he said it worsened again when he was arrested right before the opening game of the season.
Hill has produced for the 5-6 Dolphins in 2024, though perhaps not as much as he’s used to. The All-Pro receiver has 571 yards and three touchdowns on 49 receptions.