Former Orangeburg Public Safety Officer Charged With Assault After Attacking Detainee

Christopher James Tyler, a former Orangeburg Public Safety Officer, has been charged with assault and battery in the second degree after allegedly punching a detainee in the face and slamming them into a brick wall during a July 25 incident. KTTC reported that Tyler was transporting the detainee to jail for booking when the alleged assault occurred. Video captured the incident, and Tyler admitted to his involvement after being read his Miranda rights before his arrest.
The detainee spat in Tyler's face while he was being transported. Tyler responded by punching the detainee in the face, then slamming them into a brick wall twice. KLTV confirmed the incident was recorded on video. Tyler has since been booked into the Orangeburg County Detention Center.
The assault was captured on video, which served as crucial evidence in the case. WALB reported that after being mirandized, Tyler admitted to his role in the incident. The video recording allowed authorities to move quickly with charges against the former officer.
Tyler's status as a public safety officer did not shield him from prosecution. WMBF News noted he was charged with second-degree assault and battery. The arrest shows that law enforcement officers can face the same criminal charges as civilians when accused of using excessive force against detainees in their custody.
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