Sheriff's investigator defends probe of alleged brutality

Detective Mike Kolsch of the Elko County Sheriff's Department said investigators interviewed about 15 people and canvassed the neighborhood after Carlin officials asked the sheriff's department to investigate a charge of brutality against Carlin Police Officer Tom Collins and Acting Police Chief Jess Pullman.

The investigation was launched after the mother of a 17-year-old suspect claimed the boy was beaten while handcuffed.

But Kolsch said witness accounts do not support the alleged Aug. 9 incident.

"They all said, 'Well, no, I didn't see that,' " Kolsch told the Carlin City Council.

He said a written report to the council should be ready next week.

Carlin Mayor Linda Bingaman said the findings will be made public.

archive