Officer Adam Cooley, from left, Officer Sean Emmer Chattanooga Police DepartmentTwo Chattanooga police officers who were fired a couple of weeks ago are appealing the decision through an administrative law judge, said Bryan Hoss, an attorney.
Hoss is filing an appeal for both former officers, Sean Emmer and Adam Cooley, to the city of Chattanooga. When an administrative law judge is assigned, a hearing will be scheduled during the next month or so, he said.
Emmer and Cooley were fired after taking federal inmate Adam Tatum into custody in July. Tatum was kicking the door of an office at the Salvation Army on McCallie Avenue where federal inmates are routinely housed. Police were called and Emmer was one of two officers who initially responded. Cooley responded later as back up.
Tatum, who initially had a knife, continued to struggle despite various types of force used to take him into custody - including a stun gun and mace. He sustained numerous injuries including a compound fracture to one of his legs.
An internal investigation began a few weeks later after department officials became aware of surveillance footage which captured the incident.
Another officer is being investigated for his involvement in the case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the case for possible criminal charges.