Melvindale Officer Matthew Furman Charged in Three Misconduct Cases
Published on August 08, 2025
Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Melvindale Police officer Matthew Furman, 40, with misconduct in connection with three separate incidents.
July 23, 2021, Area of Outer Drive and Dartmouth Street, Dearborn, MI
At approximately 3:30 p.m., Van Buren Township police officers assisted by Wayne County Airport police officers, Dearborn police officers, and Michigan State Police Troopers were in pursuit of a 35-year-old male, of Taylor, who fled from a traffic stop.
At approximately 3:54 p.m., Officer Furman was in the area of Outer Drive and Palmer Street when he joined the pursuit of the driver. Officers pursued the male to the area of Outer Drive and Dartmouth Street in Dearborn where Van Buren Township police officers were able to disable the driver’s vehicle.
The driver attempted to flee the scene on foot but was tackled by officers. While he was being held by officers, it is alleged that Officer Furman kicked the male multiple times in his leg and ankle when he was being secured in handcuffs.
Matthew Furman has been charged with Common Law Offense-Misconduct in Office, which carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections, and Assault or Assault and Battery, a 93 Day Misdemeanor.*
April 13, 2024, 19600 Block of Wood Avenue, Melvindale, MI
At approximately 9:48 a.m., Officer Furman conducted a traffic stop of a 35-year-old Detroit woman’s vehicle in a school parking lot in the 19600 block of Wood Avenue in Melvindale for expired plates and no insurance.
During the traffic stop, Officer Furman asked the woman for her identification, and she did not comply, but she continued asking him questions. It is alleged that Officer Furman then opened the driver’s side door of the woman’s vehicle and attempted to forcibly remove her from the driver’s seat. When Officer Furman failed to remove her from the car, it is alleged that he deployed his department issued taser, striking the woman in her left leg. It is further alleged that Office Furman ordered the woman and her minor children in the backseat of the car, to exit the vehicle. Medics were called to the scene to treat the woman for her injuries.
Matthew Furman has been charged with Common Law Offense- Misconduct in Office, which carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison, Felonious Assault, which carries a maximum penalty of 4 years in prison, and Assault or Assault and Battery, a 93 Day Misdemeanor.*
July 20, 2024, Area of Homestead Avenue and Wall Street, Melvindale, MI
At approximately 11:50 a.m., Officer Furman conducted a traffic stop of a 36-year-old Melvindale man’s vehicle around Homestead Avenue and Wall Street in Melvindale for improper plates. During the traffic stop, Officer Furman asked the male for his identification, and the man said he did not have it with him. Officer Furman then asked the male to step out of his vehicle and place his hands of the roof of the vehicle. Once the male stepped out of his vehicle and placed his hands on the roof, it is alleged that Officer Furman deployed his department issued taser, striking the male in the back. It is then alleged that Officer Furman kicked the male in his leg and deployed his department issued taser again, striking the male in the back.
Additional Melvindale police officers were dispatched to the scene to assist in the arrest of the driver. Once officers placed the male on the ground, it is further alleged that Officer Furman placed his foot on the driver’s rib area.
Medics were called to the scene to treat the male for his injuries. While being treated by members of the Dearborn Fire Department, it is further alleged that a verbal altercation between the male and Officer Furman escalated to a physical altercation, and Officer Furman grabbed the male by his shirt and by his hair and pulled him against the fire truck.
Matthew Furman has been charged with Common Law Offense – Misconduct in Office, which carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison, Felonious Assault, which carries a maximum penalty of 4 years in prison, and Assault or Assault and Battery, a 93 Day Misdemeanor.*
“It is important to remember that the majority of our police officers are bravely placing their lives on the line every day and proudly serving with the utmost integrity. The alleged behavior of this officer is criminal and does a disservice to the men and women who have taken an oath to protect and serve all our citizens,” said Prosecutor Kym Worthy.
He was arraigned this morning in 24th District Court before Judge Richard A. Page and given a $50,000 personal bond with a GPS tether. Defendant Furman is ordered to have no contact with the victims and surrender any firearms that he currently has in his possession. The defendant is represented by attorney Dennis Whittie. The Probable Cause Conference has not been scheduled due to Judge Page recusing himself from the case. An update will be sent out when a new date has been received.
The Melvindale Police Department has placed Defendant Furman on an unpaid administrative leave and has suspended his Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards license.
Please request a photograph of the defendant from the Michigan State Police.
*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
#####