Posted on 07/10/2002 10:21:02 AM PDT by HarryDunne
OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma City Police Department said it would investigate to determine if two metro police officers used excessive force in restraining a man who was being apprehended for allegedly soliciting a prostitute.
See The Videotape
Police responded to the scene after receiving a tip from Brian Bates, who calls himself the Video Vigilante. Bates called police after he saw a man named Donald Pete get into a truck with a woman Bates believed was a prostitute.
In an arrest captured on video, Officer Greg Driskell ordered everyone out of the truck, including the woman and Pete.
On the tape, Driskill is heard asking Pete about something in his mouth. Then, Driskill ordered Pete to the ground. Bates said Driskill started striking Pete when he didn't move.
"He wasn't fighting or resisting. He just wasn't getting on the ground, so the officer pulled out his baton and started whaling on the guy," Bates said.
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Were officers justified in using batons and pepper spray in arresting the suspect? Yes No I can't tell because we don't have all the facts
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Driskill hit Pete several times and used pepper spray, but Pete still seemed uncooperative, the tape showed. Moments later, Officer E.J. Dyer showed up and offered assistance and both officers began using their batons, Bates said.
"I don't know why it turned into, 'Let's beat the guy to death,'" Bates said. "The officers asked me what should have happened. In my opinion they got the guy out. He wasn't fighting. The officers weren't in any harm. (They should have) backed away, drawn their weapons and waited for backup."
Capt. Jessica Cummins said the video may seem intense to some, but said the public should look at it from the officers' points of view and remember that Pete weighs 300 pounds.
"It might seem extreme. It might seem improper for what the officer was doing and them having to use their batons. But you have to remember how the officers are trained," Cummins said. "What the officers are concerned about is their safety. They are trying to make an arrest of an individual who is not listening or cooperating."
Cummins said the department is investigating, but that it could be several days before they determine if the use of force was too extreme or justifiable.
Pete was booked into the Oklahoma County Jail on several charges, including assault and battery, assault and battery of a police officer, resisting arrest, and engaging in an act of lewdness.
This is the part of the story that really pissed me off. WTF is this Video Vigilante.
Regards, Lurking'
it is clearly obvious that this man was far superior in strength that the officer - a fact that could have lead to sever injury and/or death for the officer had Mr. Pete decided to do so. maintaining contact with Mr. Pete is his grevious error - backing away and waiting for back-up is the "I like my life" decision here. - not the "i'm a stud decision that was made"....
As for the use of force - I don't see that it was necessary - no officer was in immediate harm - Mr. Pete never once made a threatening move (that I saw) - he simply rufused to comply - which isn't enough to justify the use of a baton. Waiting for backup and overpowering Mr. Pete is the sensible, correct decision.
Give me damn break - like I said - if this guy would have wanted to - he could have had cop for lunch.
Did you see the part where the video guy drops the camera to give the police officer his stick
The man in this video is resisting and is not cuffed.
I think as long as you are a legitimate threat to the officer or you are resisting arrest, you're going to get rough up in response.
Seems pretty simple to me.
To me it clearly states that the guy put police officers at risk because at that point they were unsure of his intentions. Force must be used in cases where normal restraint is not possible. This includes when a person refuses to get down or put their hands behind their backs. I do not agree with brutality of any kind but cops must work on instinct more then the average person.
I agree this cop went WAY over board but at the same time the man was resisting arrest .. you can see when he is on the ground that he is fighting to keep is hands in front
My next question is .. what alerted the police office to order the man to the ground
My next question would be .. this cop didn't realize someone was taping him ????
I caught that too. Mr. Video will be lucky if he's not named in the civil suit for aiding and abetting the cop.
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