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Another Denver Deputy has been fired for excessive force while on the job

15-year veteran off the job after Jan. 28 incident
Posted at 9:28 PM, Feb 02, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-03 01:02:04-05

DENVER -- The city of Denver has fired yet another Denver Sheriff's Deputy for excessive force while on the job, Denver7 has learned.

Deputy Darrin Turner, a 15-year veteran, was terminated by the Career Service Board on Jan. 4.

The 18-page discipline report states the incident happened on Jan. 28 and started over a blanket an inmate was hiding under his shirt, which led to an altercation that escalated quickly.

Another Deputy who witnessed the incident was appalled by Deputy Turner's behavior saying he was "scared" "dumbfounded," and "shocked."

The report states Deputy Turner told the inmate, "You're just a boy," approximately three times and then said, "I'll take you where there's no cameras," which Deputy Turner ended up doing.

According to the report, video surveillance outside the room shows Turner "slam the inmate backward" before wrapping his hand around the inmate's throat.

The discipline letter also states Deputy Turner took off his glasses in anticipation of the fight and created "a use of force situation where absolutely no force was required."

Denver7 has requested a copy of the jailhouse surveillance video.

Deputy Turner denied making the comments and claims the inmate was "taking an aggressive stance."

However, the report states "video recording of the incident shows the inmate with both hands in the front area of the waistband of his pants and Deputy Turner walking behind him."

A spokesperson with the Department of Safety sent Denver7 the following statement:

"Deputy Turner's egregious misconduct, willful disregard of department rules, and unwillingness to take responsibility for his actions is unacceptable. Based on the facts and circumstances of the case, termination was appropriate."

Deputy Turner can appeal his termination. 

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