CNMI police chief comments on arrested cop, K-9 deaths

A police officer in the CNMI is placed under arrest accused of using his duty weapon in an apparent attack. 

The Department of Public Safety Commissioner sent a strong message to the community following the arrest of one of their own. 

The commissioner also addressed the recent death of two K-9's left in a hot car. 

“I do not tolerate any police misconduct, especially in the face of the community,” said Anthony Macaranas, Commissioner at the CNMI Department of Public Safety. 

CNMI police officer Troy Manahane was arrested Wednesday morning for assault with a dangerous weapon and disturbing the peace. 

The charges come after he allegedly used his government firearm to assault a person identified as a suspect in a domestic incident reported in the village of Susupe in January. 

His arraignment is on Monday.

“It is sad in our department but again we are held to the highest standard to ensure that the public are well protected by officers that took the oath to serve and protect the community. The actions of Officer Troy Manahane is not acceptable but we will continue to mitigate some of these issues,” said Macaranas. 

Macaranas told KUAM that the officer was placed on desk duty when the complaint was filed against him in January. 

He is now placed on leave pending the results of the case. He said the officer has no prior record of disciplinary action in his five years on the job.

“We continue to to have our supervisors talk to the officers in regards to our rules and ….policies of the department. So that we will continue to let them know that policies are made for reasons and they're not to be bent…I can not bend the law. I can not bend the rules,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the commissioner also addressed the recent deaths of two police dogs after they were left in a hot patrol car after the air conditioning malfunctioned on Sept. 8 while their handlers processed evidence inside DPS. 

The reason for the deaths was disclosed 20 days later.

“I take full responsibility for the delayed public notification of the death. I understand the public's interest and affection of those heroic animals and provide no excuses. I will continue to be transparent with our community,” he added. 

They’ve since changed protocol and now K-9s should not be left in a car for more than 10 minutes and officers are encouraged to take them out of the vehicle. The officers in charge were transferred back to the traffic unit, but face no disciplinary action.

“Disciplinary actions would be initiated if we find that the handlers were neglecting the K-9 dogs. But in this instance, it's not it's not their neglect that contributed to the death of the two dogs,” he said.

You can watch the full press conference on KUAM News’ Facebook page.

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