Investigation under way in police beating of paralyzed city man

YOUNGSTOWN — A paralyzed city man wonders why a Youngstown police officer dragged him from an auto and beat him last month.

And Willie Daniel, 36, wants an answer. He has contacted a lawyer as he intends to sue the city police department.

Police arrested Daniel, of High Street, and charged him with driving under suspension and reckless operation after a car accident Feb. 27 on Wilson Avenue.

Daniel, who is paralyzed from the waist down, said his interaction with Officer Robert Joliff that night is far more in depth than a simple arrest.

Police Chief Jimmy Hughes said the department takes accusations such as those made by Daniel seriously, and internal affairs is looking into the matter. He said he can say little else about the situation now.

“We have collected information and interviewed people, and we will be continuing with that,” the chief said today.

For the complete story, see Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com