Police probe allegations of beating

Thursday, Jan. 17, 2002 | 10:52 a.m.

Henderson Police are investigating allegations that a 32-year-old man was beaten by officers during an altercation stemming from a traffic stop on Monday.

Internal Affairs detectives are investigating allegations that officers beat Michael Nicholas, broke his arm and caused other injures Monday about 11:50 p.m. following a traffic stop on Center Street at Burkholder Boulevard.

According to the police report, Officer Rand Allison said he stopped Nicholas for not stopping at a stop sign. Nicholas then allegedly refused to stay in the car and was yelling up to a nearby apartment.

Allison sprayed him with a burst of pepper spray and then Nicholas is accused of rushing at the officer and shoving him. Allison called for additional officers as he chased Nicholas, according to the report.

Allison said he struck Nicholas with a baton as Nicholas fought with the officer on the stairs of an apartment building. Nicholas ran into his apartment and into a back bedroom. Allison drew his gun when Nicholas came out with something in his hand.

Other officers arrived and struggled with Nicholas to arrest him. The object in his hand turned out to be a metal marijuana pipe, according to the police report.

Nicholas was not available for comment this morning.