Body camera video shows a former police sergeant who is currently running for sheriff in a profanity-laced arrest from years ago.
At one point, the officer even threatens to throw someone off the balcony.
Channel 2 Cobb County Bureau Chief Chris Jose was in Marietta, where he spoke Jimmy Herndon, who is a candidate for Cobb County Sheriff. Audio from a body camera video shot during a 2016 arrest reveals a frustrated Herndon cussing at a suspect.
"Here’s the deal. Why don’t you (expletive) bring me the rest of the marijuana.," Herndon says in the video. "Y’all were just (expletive) smoking when we walked up and call it a day, otherwise we’re (expletive) fixing to go in there and take some people to jail."
Herndon was suspended for 32 hours without pay after the rant continued.
"Y’all are making me nervous as (expletive)," Herndon says. "Don’t (expletive) play. I’m fixin’ to put everybody on the ground. This is a (expletive) gun. I’m looking at you. I got in your (expletive) face. Who’s got the dope?"
"Don’t (expletive) come off this wall. If you do I’m going to (expletive) launch your (expletive) off this deck."
Investigators said they suspended Herndon because he failed to maintain proper decorum and professionalism.
Jose talked to Herndon, who said he was having a bad day. Herndon said that he was sick and going through a divorce when the video was shot.
"I’m the one who brought this video to my supervisors attention," Herndon said. "I’m the one who told them this happened."
Herndon said he doesn't remember threatening to throw anyone off the balcony.
Cobb Police Major Craig Owens is running against Herndon in the primary election. He said Herndon's defense of his behavior. is unacceptable.
“A a law enforcement officer, we cannot afford to have a bad day,” Owens said. “When we have a bad day that can cause someone to lose their life.”
© 2020 Cox Media Group
