Iola Mayor Bill Shirley formally apologized Wednesday to Bill Farmer for the actions of police officers when they arrested the 77-year-old Iolan the evening of April 14.
Farmer had been arrested for suspicion of disorderly conduct and obstructing the legal process after he called 911 on behalf of his neighbor, Tim Emmons, who had fallen off his roof, suffering extensive injuries.
In addition to the apology, which came in a letter and a private meeting, the city dropped the charges.
The city and police “express regret for the physical discomfort and embarrassment you received in the incident,” Shirley wrote in the letter addressed to Farmer. A copy of the letter was emailed to the Register.
“Furthermore, the city will be taking appropriate action in regards to the actions of its officers,” Shirley wrote.
The further action will be administered by Police Chief Jared Warner, in accordance with city policies, the mayor said.
The officers were not identified.
FARMER’S ARREST stemmed from his call to 911.
Farmer became flustered during the call when he was asked a series of questions about Emmons’ condition, not realizing an ambulance had already been dispatched to the scene.
When police arrived at the scene, Farmer approached them complaining about the emergency call. Police then arrested Farmer, handcuffing his hands behind his back and putting him into the back of the police car.
Tonya Shaughnessy, Farmer’s daughter, told the Register the family appreciated the apology.
“We hope that something like this never happens again,” Shaughnessy said, adding that her father has had trouble sleeping since the incident and has avoided going out in public. “This whole thing has really affected him.”
Emmons, meanwhile, was hospitalized for four days, suffering from four cracked vertebrae, cuts to his knees and legs, bruised ribs and a bump on his head.
THE INCIDENT was investigated by Sheriff Tom Williams upon the request of Police Chief Jared Warner, “to ensure transparency.”
Shaughnessy praised Williams’ efforts “to get the whole story. He was wonderful.”
In a letter to the editor (check the Letters to the Editor Link in the Opinion tab) Shaughnessy also thanked City Councilman Steve French and Shirley for their efforts to visit with Farmer while the investigation was ongoing.
She urged the full council to review Warner’s subsequent actions against the officers in question.
