City fires GRPD officer who repeatedly punched driver

From our media partners at WOOD TV:

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A Grand Rapids officer caught on video repeatedly punching a driver during a traffic stop has been fired.

The city’s communications director says Drew Rau notified the city manager last week that he was waiving his right to a discharge hearing, clearing the way for Rau’s termination.

The city manager determined Rau should be fired immediately based on an internal investigation and the recommendation by Grand Rapids Interim Police Chief David Kiddle.

Rau was suspended from his job after video of the March 17 traffic stop surfaced, showing him punching Bronquel Brown nearly 30 times. In police body camera footage 24 Hour News 8 obtained, Brown can be heard yelling “I’m not doing nothing” as Rau continues throwing punches.

Rau is also heard using profanity during the incident, which happened near California Street and National Avenue on the city’s West Side.

A neighbor recorded the incident, posted it online and within hours it had thousands of views.

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