Group members in Peekskill are organizing in help of 42-year-old Damar Fields, following the discharge of a video exhibiting him being tased, kicked, and struck by a police officer throughout an arrest on Dec. 3 at Riverfront Inexperienced Park. In keeping with the Peekskill Herald, the video, shared by neighborhood activist Darrell Davis, who serves as a spokesperson for Fields’ household, sparked widespread outrage and led to an unidentified Peekskill police officer being positioned on paid administrative depart. Davis has mentioned Fields did nothing to warrant the therapy proven within the footage.
On Saturday, Dec. 13, roughly 75 folks gathered on the riverfront gazebo for a peaceable rally to protest what they described as police brutality. Demonstrators referred to as for the discharge of the entire physique digicam footage and shared private accounts of adverse interactions with legislation enforcement.
“The best way they beat our brother was inhumane,” Davis instructed the Peekskill Herald on Dec. 15, including that Fields was recognized to police and had emotional points up to now. “And somebody who did that ought to not have a gun or badge. And we’re not letting this go,” Davis mentioned.
What did the video present?
The video of the incident, obtained by CBS Information, exhibits an officer utilizing a stun gun on Fields whereas yelling, “Get in your [expletive] face,” earlier than kicking him. Police had responded to a grievance a couple of man close to the gazebo alongside the Hudson River. A second officer arrives moments later, and the primary officer punches Fields because the encounter continues. Each officers find yourself on high of Fields, putting him a number of occasions, earlier than three further officers arrive and take him into custody.
“It was disgusting, it was horrible. The younger man is traumatized. He’s nonetheless getting medical assist,” Davis instructed the outlet throughout an interview Dec. 5. “I don’t care if this man is a mass assassin. You had him tased, helpless, and also you pounced on him, and that’s not your job.”
Following the discharge of the video, the Peekskill Police Division confirmed the officer concerned was positioned on paid administrative depart whereas the Westchester County District Lawyer’s Workplace investigates the incident.
Davis mentioned the rally marked solely the start of broader neighborhood motion. For the reason that video was shared, he mentioned, quite a few folks have reached out to him with images and movies alleging different situations of police violence in Westchester County, together with Peekskill, NY.
An investigation into Damar Fields’ arrest is being carried out.
Newly appointed Peekskill Police Chief Adam Renwick referred the case to the district lawyer for an unbiased investigation. Throughout a metropolis council assembly on Dec. 8, Renwick mentioned he’s restricted in what he can publicly talk about because of the ongoing investigation, however assured {that a} thorough investigation can be carried out.
“I did this as a result of the video circulating on social media raised reliable questions on the usage of power, and it was important that each one points of the incident be investigated totally and impartially,” Renwick mentioned, in response to a Dec. 10 report from the Peekskill Herald. “Our division is totally cooperating with that evaluate and has offered all accessible proof, together with body-worn digicam footage, experiences, and witness statements.”
The Peekskill Police Benevolent Affiliation claimed that Fields’ arrest was allegedly prompted by him “exposing” himself. Nonetheless, Damar Fields is just not presently in custody, and no expenses have been filed towards him as of this writing. Additionally they defended the unnamed officer’s conduct.
“As soon as situated, the officer noticed the male totally uncovered together with his pants pulled down,” claimed PBA Lawyer Andrew Quinn. “The male refused to observe the officer’s authorized instructions to conform and aggressively approached him, making irrational statements. It was clear to the officer that the male, who was apparently excessive on narcotics and was recognized to the officer as a result of his frequent problematic conduct, was a risk each to himself and the parkgoers.”
The PBA accused Fields— who was unnamed within the launch— of resisting “violently” and claimed he “continued to behave irrationally” and that the officer solely used power as a result of it was essential to detain him. Notably, this wasn’t Fields’ first time encountering officers from the Peekskill Police Division. CBS Information famous Peekskill police had beforehand arrested him in September on an alleged misdemeanor drug possession cost.
Mayor Vivian McKenzie addressed the incident on Wednesday, promising an intensive inside affairs evaluate.
“It’s a partial video. It doesn’t present the entire incident, however the half that’s there’s very, very regarding,” McKenzie mentioned. “There’s all the time extra to the story, however once more, I’ll say, what we noticed was very regarding.”
Westchester County District Lawyer Susan Cacace has assigned her Public Legislation Enforcement Integrity Unit to research how officers dealt with Fields’ arrest.
Within the aftermath of the incident, Darrell Davis helped kind a help committee to help Damar Fields, elevating funds to maneuver him from the streets right into a resort. The committee consists of Ingrid Wittmann and Arne Paglia, each of whom spoke on the rally, together with a number of different neighborhood members.
Davis additionally instructed the Peekskill Herald he’s encouraging residents to put in writing letters to the district lawyer calling for expenses towards the officers concerned and urging compassion in Damar Fields’ therapy.
SEE MORE:
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Knox County DA’s Workplace Gained’t Examine David Batts’ Dying
NY Group Calls for Justice After Black Man Overwhelmed And Tased By Peekskill Police
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