By Associated Press - Tuesday, February 7, 2017

DENVER (AP) - The Denver Sheriff Department has fired a deputy for using excessive force against an inmate.

The Denver Post reports (https://dpo.st/2kFLOid ) that Darrin Turner, a 15-year veteran of the force, was fired on Jan. 4. His disciplinary letter says he was terminated for violating the department’s use-of-force laws and then lying about his actions during an internal investigation into the incident.

According to the letter, deputies caught the unidentified inmate trying to steal a blanket and Turner began arguing with him.



The argument escalated into a physical altercation, in which Turner was accused of shoving the inmate and holding him by the throat after the inmate tried taking a swing at the deputy.

A man who answered the phone at a listing for Turner declined to comment Monday night.

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Information from: The Denver Post, https://www.denverpost.com

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