Video Shows Baton Rouge Police Officer With Arm Around Teen’s Neck, Mayor Calls for Prompt Review
A video circulating on social media Sunday has drawn the ire of the public and Baton Rouge's leadership.
The footage appears to show a Baton Rouge Police Officer choking a teenager on the road.
The boy's aunt posted the video, saying it's her 13-year-old nephew. As you can see in the video, there were several people around while the officer has the juvenile on the ground, pleading with police to stop.
East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome is asking the department for a swift review of the incident. She released the following statement:
This evening a concerning encounter between a BRPD officer and a juvenile in our community was brought to my attention. I have viewed the short snippet of video and snapshots shared via social media. The actions I viewed prompted me to contact our Chief of Police to ensure he was aware of the situation. Chief Paul has assured me the reformed system that has been implemented under our leadership will allow for a prompt, transparent review of this incident.
I want our community to know that the relationship between our community and the police is very important to me. BPRD officers have hundreds of encounters that we never hear of because they go without incident. Yet, it is incumbent on me to use my role as mayor to bring attention to those that are questionable in order to help build public trust and ultimately encourage the best policing tactics from our officers. I am resolute that we will have a unified and safe Baton Rouge. We will solve our toughest issues together.
A Facebook post claims the young boy in the video being choked by police goes by the name of Corey. According to the post, Corey is well and safe at home.
Baton Rouge attorney Ron Haley, who has been hired to represent the child, said that he had been released from juvenile detention on Sunday night, hours after his arrest. He was arrested for battery on a police officer, though it's unclear if he will face other counts as well.
"I appreciate the swift response from Mayor Broome and the promises made by Chief Paul. However, too many times in our community we see obvious police misconduct go unchecked and unpunished," Haley said in a statement.