Galveston County, Texas – The recent indictment of former patrol officer Michael Kinsley has shed light on a 2022 encounter that took a tragic turn in a Dickinson parking lot. Kinsley faces charges of official oppression, a misdemeanor, and injury to the elderly, a felony, stemming from an altercation with 65-year-old Michael Scurlock.

Incident Details

The incident occurred on February 22, 2022, in the parking lot of a Family Dollar along Highway 3. Police were initially summoned to the scene after Scurlock, who was riding a bicycle, collided with a vehicle.

According to investigators, Kinsley forcefully subdued Scurlock, throwing him to the ground and subsequently handcuffing him. The encounter, captured on Kinsley’s body camera, ended with Scurlock sustaining serious injuries, including a brain bleed.

Prolonged Consequences

Following the altercation, Scurlock endured a prolonged period of medical treatment. He spent two weeks in intensive care and required ongoing medical attention for nearly a year before his passing. Although the Galveston County Medical Examiner attributed Scurlock’s death to Parkinson’s disease, authorities highlight the trauma from the parking lot incident as a significant contributing factor.

Investigation and Fallout

Initially, an internal investigation conducted by the Dickinson Police Department cleared Kinsley of any wrongdoing, attributing Scurlock’s injuries solely to the vehicle collision. However, subsequent revelations prompted a deeper inquiry.

Upon the emergence of conflicting accounts from within the police department, a private investigator was enlisted to scrutinize the incident. The investigator’s findings revealed deficiencies in the initial investigation, accusing former Police Chief Ron Morales of withholding crucial information from city officials.

Morales’ subsequent resignation, amid allegations of misconduct, further underscored the gravity of the situation. Despite attempts to close the investigation, additional testimonies from Dickinson police officers prompted a grand jury indictment against Kinsley, marking a significant development in the case.

Legal Ramifications

With the indictment, Kinsley now faces potential conviction and sentencing. The severity of the charges levied against him underscores the gravity of the incident. If found guilty, Kinsley could face imprisonment ranging from two to ten years for the felony charge of injury to the elderly, in addition to up to one year for official oppression.

Seeking Accountability and Justice

The indictment of Michael Kinsley represents a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for Michael Scurlock and his family. It underscores the importance of accountability within law enforcement agencies and the need for thorough and impartial investigations into allegations of misconduct. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of police actions and the imperative of upholding transparency and integrity within our justice system.

Source