PHILADELPHIA (December 22, 2017) – Philadelphia District Kelley B. Hodge today announced that Philadelphia Sheriff’s Deputy Lyric Dunbar has been arrested and charged with Simple Assault (M2) and Harassment (S) after an attack that took place in Family Court (1501 Arch Street). The incident took place on July 30, 2017.
“Philadelphia’s courtrooms should be places of safety, not violence; especially when it comes to attacks on innocent complainants by a Deputy Sherriff,” said Philadelphia District Attorney Kelley B. Hodge. “Philadelphia Sheriff’s Deputy Lyric Dunbar will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, which is appropriate and necessary, considering the clear video evidence that we have retained and reviewed during this investigation.”
While assigned to the nursery at Family Court, Dunbar came into contact with the complainant. After exchanging words, Dunbar followed the complainant down a hallway and smacked the complainant in the back of the head. After regaining her footing, the complainant continued down the hallway and Dunbar followed. Dunbar confronted the complainant again, this time, punching the complainant in the right side of her face, causing injury to the complainant’s face and damage to the complainant’s glasses. Dunbar was restrained by other sheriff’s deputies while the complainant was transported to the hospital. The assault was captured on video.
Dunbar, DOB 02/13/1984, was hired by the Philadelphia Sherriff’s Office in August of 2013.
She has been suspended for 30 days with the intent to dismiss by the Philadelphia Sherriff’s Office. Her next appearance in court has yet to be scheduled.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Emily Rodriguez of the Office’s Special Investigations Unit.
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Author: Amaury Abreu
