Former Tacoma police officer Christopher Burbank, who was cleared of criminal charges in the death of Manuel Ellis, has been hired by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy. Ellis, a Black man, died in 2020 after being shocked, beaten, and restrained facedown on a sidewalk by Burbank and two other officers. Despite being cleared of charges, the case is still under review by the U.S. attorney’s office and a wrongful death lawsuit is pending. Ellis’ family and their attorney expressed shock and disappointment at Burbank’s hiring.
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, like many law enforcement agencies, has been dealing with understaffing issues, and Burbank’s hiring aims to provide relief in the patrol division. Sheriff Derek Sanders emphasized that Burbank underwent a thorough two-month background check before being hired. The office has also made efforts to improve its crisis response by incorporating mental health co-responders and implementing transparency measures such as dashboard and body-worn cameras. Sanders reiterated that Burbank has been cleared of any wrongdoing by multiple investigations and a jury trial.
Ellis, 33, was walking home when he encountered the officers, who claimed he became aggressive and displayed “superhuman strength.” Witnesses disputed this account, with some stating they saw no aggression from Ellis. Video footage of the encounter showed Burbank using a Taser on Ellis and Collins wrapping an arm around his neck. Ellis’ death occurred months before George Floyd’s murder, sparking outrage against police brutality. While the Tacoma Police Department initially found no policy violations, the officers resigned and were paid settlements. A federal wrongful death lawsuit brought by Ellis’ family resulted in a settlement with Pierce County, with the case still pending against the city.
The hire of Burbank by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office has raised concerns among the community and Ellis’ family due to the circumstances surrounding Ellis’ death. The case has brought into question the use of force by law enforcement and the accountability of officers involved in such incidents. The ongoing review by the U.S. attorney’s office and the pending wrongful death lawsuit indicate that the case is far from resolved. The hiring of an officer involved in a controversial incident highlights the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in addressing issues of accountability and community trust.
Despite the controversy surrounding Burbank’s hiring, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office stands by its decision, emphasizing the clearance of Burbank by previous investigations and the legal system. The office believes that Burbank will contribute positively to the patrol division and help address the staffing challenges it faces. Moving forward, the office aims to continue improving its crisis response strategies and transparency measures to build trust and accountability within the community. The case of Manuel Ellis serves as a reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding police conduct and the need for effective oversight and accountability mechanisms within law enforcement agencies.
