Phoenix Police Chief: 3 officers resign after forcing man to eat pot

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Three Phoenix police officers have resigned after they allegedly forced a man to eat marijuana found in his vehicle to avoid going to jail.

The Phoenix Police Department tells FOX 10 that the incident happened on September 13 when the officers pulled over a 19-year-old man for a traffic violation near 43rd Avenue and McDowell Road.

The man says the officers found marijuana in his vehicle and demanded that he eat the marijuana to avoid arrest. The man allegedly ate the marijuana, was issued traffic tickets and released.

Yahner said all of the officers' video cameras were turned off and did not record the incident.

"I was going to fire them," he said." They chose to resign."

The three officers are Richard G. Pina, Jason E. McFadden and Michael J. Carnicle. All three were probationary employees within their first year of service with the Phoenix Police Department.

Chief Yahner also says a fourth officer was demoted from lieutenant to sergeant for being aware of the incident and not taking appropriate action.

Chief Yahner released the following statement on the incident:

"As your Police Chief, I want you to know how appalled I was when I was informed about these allegations. The conduct alleged by our resident is contrary to everything we stand for as community servants. I have directed our criminal and internal investigators to make their inquiries thorough and swift. Once the facts are determined, I will take quick and appropriate action to ensure those involved are held accountable for their actions."