Mansfield Police Clear Officer in Use-of-Force Review Following West Fifth Street Traffic Stop
MANSFIELD, Ohio — A Mansfield police officer acted within department policy during a May traffic stop that resulted in a physical confrontation with a passenger, according to the findings of an internal investigation released Monday.
The Mansfield Division of Police announced July 27 that it had completed its investigation into a complaint filed by Calvin Caldwell concerning a May 20 traffic stop on West Fifth Street.
According to Mansfield Police Chief Jason Bammann, the review included Officer Adamescu’s account of the incident, body-camera footage, witness statements and a statement provided by Caldwell. The investigation was also reviewed by multiple levels of police leadership.
The incident began at approximately 1:15 a.m. when Officer Adamescu reportedly observed a white pickup truck occupied by two people pull into the New Millennium Car Wash.
Police said Adamescu observed what he considered unusual behavior involving the driver and another person inside the business. The pickup then reportedly left the property quickly.
After following the vehicle for a short distance, Adamescu initiated a traffic stop for alleged traffic-bar and license-plate-light violations.
Adamescu approached the passenger side of the vehicle and attempted to speak with the driver, identified by police as Dreama Henderson. According to the department’s account, Caldwell repeatedly spoke over Henderson during the conversation.
Police said Caldwell and Henderson displayed signs of nervousness, including shaking, changes in their tone of voice and repeated attention toward the glove compartment. Adamescu reportedly believed their behavior indicated possible criminal activity or an attempt to conceal something.
Henderson was asked to exit the vehicle, which police said was registered to Caldwell’s wife. A second officer had arrived at the scene by that time.
According to the release, Henderson voluntarily consented to a search of the pickup.
When Adamescu returned to the passenger side and attempted to identify Caldwell, police said Caldwell became belligerent and uncooperative when asked for his Social Security and driver’s license numbers.
Caldwell eventually held up a wallet containing his driver’s license. When Adamescu asked him to remove the license so the officer could read the number, Caldwell allegedly shoved it toward the officer’s face.
Adamescu then took the license from Caldwell’s hand, according to the department.
Police said Caldwell became physically tense, balled his fists near his waist and lunged in an attempt to retrieve the identification. Adamescu reportedly believed he was about to be assaulted and grabbed Caldwell by the front of his shirt while advising him that he was under arrest.
The department said Caldwell raised his hands into what Adamescu described as a “boxing-style” stance before striking the officer in the face with his right hand.
Adamescu responded with multiple strikes toward Caldwell’s head in an effort to bring him under control, according to the investigation. Caldwell allegedly continued attempting to strike the officer while bracing himself inside the vehicle.
After several seconds, Adamescu disengaged, displayed his Taser and continued ordering Caldwell out of the pickup. Police said the Taser was displayed but did not state that it was deployed.
Caldwell exited the vehicle but allegedly continued holding onto the truck’s cab with his right arm. Adamescu then took Caldwell to the ground so officers could place him in handcuffs.
“After a thorough investigation, I have determined that Officer Adamescu’s actions were consistent with the use-of-force policies and procedures of the Division of Police,” Bammann said in the release. “Mr. Caldwell’s actions in resistance preceded the use of force utilized by the officer.”
The chief cautioned that body-camera footage captures only one perspective and should be considered alongside witness statements, physical evidence and officer testimony.
The department’s release did not identify any criminal charges resulting from the incident or provide details about injuries.
Bammann said the Mansfield Division of Police routinely reviews its policies and all uses of force. He added that officers regularly receive training in de-escalation tactics and that the department examines incidents for potential areas of improvement.
