LEARN MORE: "I Was Startled:" Tiffanie Williams Speaks Out Over Michael Conner, Eaton Police Department
MUNCIE, Ind. - Students at Ball State University are calling for the firing of university police officer Michael Conner over a 2020 police raid in Eaton, north of Muncie.
According to an IndyStar article and a petition circulating around campus, on July 17, 2020, Conner and two other officers reportedly entered Tiffany Williams' home by force without a warrant or announcing themselves.
The petition states, "Video evidence from Officer Conner's body camera shows he and other officers grabbed Ms[.] Williams and pinned her to the ground before arresting her and her husband. Ms. Williams sustained multiple injuries during the arrest and detainment."
The raid escalated when Lanzell Williams, fearing his wife was being attacked, grabbed a handgun and stepped into the hall, according to IndyStar.
According to IndyStar, the legal battles reportedly burdened the family with tens of thousands of dollars in debt and ultimately forced them to leave Indiana out of fear of retaliation.
Conner was hired by the Ball State University Police Department (UPD) on August 7, 2024, according to a Facebook post made by the department. The post also praised his experience policing, including in Eaton.
"Michael [Conner] served in the Army for 13 years and is also a lateral transfer," the post read. "He started his law enforcement career in 2017 as a reserve officer with the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department and then with the Eaton Police Department. In 2022 he became a full-time officer with the Upland Police Department."
In response to Conner's employment with UPD, Williams will speak at the Muncie Liberation Studio on Wednesday, August 20 at 6:00 p.m., and a protest is planned at the Peace Plaza on Friday, August 22, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
The Muncie Liberation Studio is located in The Village, across the street from the Student Center, at 1809 W University Ave.
VBN reached out to Joseph Souza, an organizer with the Muncie Liberation Studio.
Souza said Conner must be removed from UPD.
"Police have always used terroristic violence and the denial of due process as part of their everyday functioning," Souza said. "This incident is one such example that resulted in the complete displacement of two Delaware County community members. This officer must be removed for his involvement in this violent miscarriage of justice."
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