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2 EMTs, driver fired following investigation into Tyre Nichols' death

Memphis Police Force Investigation
Posted at 3:12 PM, Jan 30, 2023
and last updated 2023-01-30 21:43:56-05

Two emergency medical technicians and a driver who responded to the scene where Memphis police officers beat Tyre Nichols have been fired.

A statement Monday from Fire Chief Gina Sweat says the crew was responding to a person being pepper sprayed on Jan. 7.

An investigation shows that EMTs JaMichael Sandridge and Robert Long failed to adequately assess Nichols, according to Sweat.

Video of the incident involving the police officers and Nichols was released on Friday. It showed officers pepper spraying Nichols and beating him following a traffic stop and chase.

Nichols remained on the ground for about 25 minutes without police or medical personnel addressing his injuries.

He died three days later.

The firings are the latest fallout from Nichols' death. On Monday, a Memphis Police spokesperson confirmed that seven officers have been "relieved of duty" in connection to the incident.

Five officers, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills, Jr. and Justin Smith -- are fired and charged with second-degree murder and other crimes. Hemphill has not been charged.

Additionally, the Shelby County sheriff announced Friday that two deputies on the scene after the beating were relieved of their duties pending the outcome of an internal investigation.