Dearborn Heights Police Chief Haidar
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
HEIGHTS – Police Chief Ahmed Haidar said May 6 that a police officer has come forward with sexual abuse allegations against a sergeant who left the department two years ago.
Mayor Bill Bazzi said in a May 8 press release that a lawsuit has been filed by two police officers over allegations of impropriety by the sergeant.
The alleged sexual assault occurred between 2021 and 2022 inside the police department building.
Haidar, who was not with the department at the time of the alleged incident, said the department will fully cooperate with the investigation, which the Michigan State Police have been asked to head.
“The department does not condone any acts of sexual assault, harassment and/or behaviors negatively affecting members of the police department or citizens,” he said.
Bazzi said that in 2023, a person not connected to the incident came forward with information about an improper relationship between the sergeant and an officer, but at the time the accused individuals denied any knowledge of or involvement in any incident.
The mayor said police officers should never have to feel unsafe around their peers.
“These disturbing allegations should never transpire in a police department or in any environment,” Bazzi said. “We are committed to working with all agencies involved to help facilitate a fair and thorough investigation.”