The former Tacoma police officer, Christopher Burbank, who was hired as a sheriff’s deputy in Thurston County, Washington, has resigned just two days into his new job following intense community backlash. Burbank was one of three officers involved in the violent fatal arrest of Manuel Ellis in 2020, in which Ellis, an unarmed Black man, was shocked, beaten, and hog-tied facedown on a sidewalk. Despite being cleared of criminal charges by a Pierce County jury, the officers still face potential federal civil rights violations. The hiring of Burbank in Thurston County sparked outrage and threats of violence towards his family, prompting his resignation.
Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders admitted that he failed to anticipate the community’s negative reaction to Burbank’s hiring and acknowledged that he made the decision based on staffing needs rather than community impact. Sanders emphasized the importance of community perception and the harm caused to marginalized communities. The attorney for Manuel Ellis’ family expressed relief at Burbank’s resignation, citing the public’s awareness of the tragic events surrounding Ellis’ death and the subsequent legal actions taken. The family hopes that recent legislative changes in Washington, such as banning hog-tying suspects in police custody, will prevent similar incidents in the future.
Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, like many law enforcement agencies, has faced challenges with understaffing, leading to the hiring of Burbank to provide immediate relief in the patrol division. While Sanders defended Burbank’s background check process and highlighted the office’s efforts to improve crisis response and transparency, he ultimately apologized for the hiring decision. The resignation of Burbank underscores the delicate balance of trust in law enforcement and the consequences of past actions on public perception. Sanders acknowledged the loss of confidence in him and his office, expressing regret for letting the community down.
The arrest and death of Manuel Ellis, who was walking home with doughnuts when approached by the officers, led to a violent altercation that resulted in his tragic death. Witness accounts and video evidence contradicted the officers’ claims of Ellis showing aggression and superhuman strength. The use of force against Ellis, captured on a doorbell surveillance camera, showed him in a surrender position with his hands up when he was tasered and restrained by the officers. Ellis’ death, occurring before the murder of George Floyd, drew attention to police brutality and accountability in law enforcement.
The Tacoma Police Department’s investigation into Ellis’ death determined that the officers did not violate their use-of-force policy at the time, resulting in their resignations with substantial payouts. The subsequent wrongful death lawsuit brought by Ellis’ family led to settlements with Pierce County and ongoing legal action against the city of Tacoma. The trial of the officers marked a significant legal precedent under Washington state law aimed at prosecuting police officers for wrongful use of deadly force. The events surrounding Manuel Ellis’ death and the actions taken by law enforcement officials have highlighted the need for accountability, transparency, and community trust in policing practices.
