Tyreek Hill has successfully beaten charges for a seatbelt violation and careless driving in Miami after both citations were dismissed, following a dramatic traffic stop involving the Miami-Dade police. According to multiple reports, the Miami Dolphins wide receiver’s case was thrown out due to the officers failing to appear for a scheduled court hearing.
The incident in question occurred on September 8, when Hill was on his way to a game. During the stop, Hill was pulled from his car and pinned to the ground by officers, which escalated tensions. Hill was visibly upset by the treatment and ultimately called for the officer involved, Danny Torres, to be fired.
Torres, a 27-year veteran of the Miami-Dade Police Department, was placed on administrative duties following the incident. Records later showed that Torres had previously been suspended six times for various offenses, adding more fuel to Hill’s complaint.
Fox Sports Miami’s Andy Slater reported that the Miami-Dade police officers failed to attend the court hearing related to the traffic stop, leading to the citations being dismissed. Hill had hired a team of high-profile attorneys to represent him, including one who had previously worked with George Floyd’s family, but it appears that such measures were ultimately unnecessary.
Hill and his legal team, led by attorney Julius B. Collins, have been vocal in condemning the police’s conduct during the traffic stop. In a statement, Hill demanded the immediate termination of the officer involved, citing excessive force. “After a careful and thorough review of the multiple body cameras and concerned citizens’ videos that captured the unfortunate events that transpired on Sunday, September 8, 2024, we are demanding the immediate termination of the officer that has been placed on administrative leave,” Hill said in the statement.
Videos of the incident show Hill being aggressively restrained, handcuffed, and pinned to the ground after being stopped for allegedly speeding. In one video, an officer even appeared to strike Hill while he was on the sidewalk. During the altercation, several of Hill’s teammates, including defensive tackle Calais Campbell, pulled over to try and deescalate the situation. Campbell was also briefly placed in handcuffs before being released.
In the footage, officers can be heard telling Hill to “stop crying,” to which the wide receiver responded, “Take me to jail… do what you have to do.” According to the police citations, Hill was stopped for allegedly driving 60 mph in a 40 mph zone and not wearing a seatbelt. He was fined a combined total of $308 for the alleged violations.
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Hill’s attorney also released further details regarding the incident, emphasizing the excessive use of force by Officer Torres. “On at least two occasions, the escalating officer placed his hands on or around Mr. Hill’s neck during the traffic stop. After Mr. Hill was forcefully pulled out of his vehicle by this officer, he was then forcefully put face down on the pavement,” the statement read. “The officer then placed his knee in Mr. Hill’s back and his hand around the back of Mr. Hill’s neck. Once Mr. Hill was placed in handcuffs and standing on the sidewalk, after being told to sit down, Mr. Hill notified the requesting officer of his intent to do so, and there again, the same officer as before grabbed Mr. Hill from behind and forced him down to the ground. While doing so, the officer then again placed his hand on or around Mr. Hill’s neck.”
The statement also highlighted that Hill had recently undergone a knee procedure, which he tried to communicate to the officers during the stop. Despite Hill’s protests, the officer allegedly ignored his statements and continued using excessive force. “We are of the opinion that the officers’ use of force was excessive, escalating, and reckless. We are demanding that the officer be terminated effective immediately,” Hill’s attorney added.
Hill has since claimed that he suffered a serious injury during his detainment. In an interview ahead of the Miami Dolphins’ Week 10 Monday Night Football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Hill told ESPN’s Lisa Salters that he is dealing with a torn ligament in his wrist, which he says was re-aggravated during the incident with the police. “He said it’s something that he’s really been dealing with all season long,” Salters reported during the broadcast. “He said it first started in training camp, but then he said it got re-aggravated when he was arrested right before the opening game of the season.”
Despite the injury, Hill has continued to perform for the 5-6 Dolphins this season, though his numbers are slightly below his usual standards. So far in 2024, the All-Pro receiver has recorded 571 yards and three touchdowns on 49 receptions.
The incident has certainly added a layer of adversity to his season, but Hill has demonstrated resilience in continuing to contribute to his team amid ongoing challenges.
