VPD officer on 15-day suspension after viral video showed excessive force

The officer involved in the viral video taken in downtown Vicksburg earlier this week has been suspended for 15 days.

Investigator Eddie Colbert was given a 15-day suspension without pay, to be followed with a 45-day probationary period. When he returns from his suspension he is to complete a course on anger management.

Other officers involved at the scene were given a 1-day suspension.

Police Chief Penny Jones said that she felt the decision made by the board was fair.

“Our agency conducted an internal investigation based on the video that we received via Facebook,” Chief Jones said. “It was handled internally and it’s a personnel matter, so I’m not going to discuss any of the further information about it.”

“I want the public to know that they can continue to depend on the Vicksburg Police Department and we are going to continue to do a good job for the citizens in this community,” Jones added.

The viral video shows Colbert roughly grabbing John Dolley and throwing him to the ground. Colbert then hovers menacingly over Dolley and walks a step or two away only to quickly return and drop his knee forcefully into Dolley’s back.

Colbert went before the Mayor and Board of Aldermen Tuesday afternoon. He was seen standing in the hallway outside the board room at the Robert A. Walker annex building. He later spoke to the board.

(photo by Marcus James)