Police: Officer Baited In Altercation That Injured Him (staged fight)

theindychannel ^ | Tuesday August 3, 2010

[Bigtigermike]

Sgt. Matthew Grimes was asked to give a presentation to a church audience on July 24 at Municipal Gardens, in the 1800 block of Lafayette Road.

During the presentation, an altercation broke out in the crowd, and Grimes intervened. The officer was thrown to the ground and drew his Taser, ready to stun one of the people involved, police said.

At that point, someone stepped in and told the officer that the incident had been concocted to test the reaction of the officer to the situation, police said. Grimes suffered severe back spasms after the incident and was taken to Methodist Hospital for treatment.

James Harrington, pastor of the Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, said he set up the scenario to test a white officer's reaction to a fight between two black men.

"Their job is to protect and serve, and even though they have families and children, that they don't put any regard to their safety," Harrington said. "I don't think it was dangerous because it was in a controlled environment."

Harrington denied that the officer was injured.

"We are trying to do anything that we can to save the lives of our children," he said. "We have to have live demonstrations of violence carried on by professional actors who are trained to do what they do."

Willard Gupton, a park manager who police said had advance knowledge of the plan, was suspended in the wake of the incident.

"I can basically say we didn't do anything wrong," Gupton said Friday evening. "It was simply just trying to make a teachable moment, to try and teach young people about violence."

[Gay State Conservative]

So many charges...so many candidates.Including the “pastor”.

[elephant]

Wonder how this “Pastor”, in name only, would feel if some white folks set him or his church up for a “teachable” moment.

[PJBankard]

When is it required to have actors fight each other to demonstrate violence? Violence is visible almost everywhere, especially on TV. Showing children violence doesn't teach them anything other than how to create violence. It is the guidance of the child's parents/guardians through the teaching of good morals and values that can prevents these violent actions. This charade was completely unnecessary, and if there intentions where for teaching, at the very least the officer should have been aware of what their intentions and plans were. Those involved should have been arrested and charged with Misuse of Emergency Services, 3rd Degree Assault (Class A Misdemeanor) for those involved, and 2nd Degree Assault(Class C Felony) for the person who physically tossed the Officer to the ground.

[RedMDer]

That is racism. I hope the officer takes them to the cleaners in court. There’s the teachable moment.

[babygene]

state peace officer? I don’t think there is such a thing...

[dragnet2]

A presentation at a church, so they stage a fight so the cop will react?

Is this in Indiana?

How bored can these people possibly be?

[dragnet2]

James Harrington, pastor of the Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, said he set up the scenario to test a white officer's reaction to a fight between two black men.

Gezzz...The pastor has a big ol' screw loose...

[MrPiper]

It’s lawsuit time, and make it a big one.

You Bet'cha~~~~~The poor cop should be able to retire and make these idiots an example of WHY you don't play with the legal system!!!!!!!!!!!

[Godwin1]

Why would you talk to these people in any case? Might as well talk to a block of wood.

[brushcop]

Yes, TX peace officer, several state agencies, certified peace officer, state level, not difficult to comprehend, we actually have them here.