Police activity Credit: Geralt / Pixabay.com
'It’s very disturbing video,' says Norristown Council President Rashaad Bates
A Norristown police officer was placed on administrative leave “effective immediately” after hitting a naked man with a police vehicle Wednesday morning on Airy Street, a municipal spokesperson said Wednesday afternoon.
“The Norristown Police Department and the Municipality [of Norristown] is committed to transparency, accountability and ensuring that all interactions between law enforcement and the public meet professional and policy standards,” a municipal spokesperson said in a statement issued Wednesday afternoon.
Norristown police responded to reports of a “naked individual obstructing traffic” around 8:15 a.m. at the intersection of Stanbridge and West Airy streets.
“The individual was observed standing in the roadway after vandalizing a parked vehicle, striking passing vehicles and creating a dangerous situation for motorists, pedestrians, and himself,” a municipal spokesperson said.
A video obtained by MediaNews Group video showed the naked person repeatedly hitting the hood of a truck stopped on Airy Street at the intersection. The person walked toward a police cruiser before pacing between the two vehicles.
The police cruiser then backed up away from the person and stopped as one other vehicle on the opposite side of Airy street traveled through the intersection and the other turned right onto Stanbridge Street.
Another police vehicle on Airy street with flashing lights in the video is seen pulling forward and hitting the person, who went airborne some several feet away before hitting the ground. Five police officers then ran over and surrounded the individual. He was apprehended and “medical attention was dispatched,” according to a municipal spokesperson.
The unidentified man went to the hospital, police said, but his condition is unknown at this time.
“The events depicted in this video are very concerning and a full investigation is underway,” a municipal spokesperson said.
Norristown Municipal Council President Rashaad Bates told MediaNews Group Wednesday afternoon that he was shocked to learn of the morning’s events, categorizing the alleged conduct as “unacceptable.”
“It’s very disturbing video,” Bates said, which was sent to him Wednesday morning. Bates added he’s since received several emails and have been tagged on social media numerous times.
“We’re disappointed in how that was handled, but Chief Trail is definitely looking into it, and there is an investigation going on,” Bates said.
Bates also expressed concern over the man who was seen in the video as “naked in the streets.” The circumstances surrounding the person’s state of mind were also not immediately known as Bates pondered if there “could be a mental health issue” occurring, but the person “seemed not to be a threat.”
When asked about next steps, Bates said “I am very sure that officer will be suspended immediately” as the department conducts an investigation. While it’s not exactly clear what exact procedure will dictate, Bates maintained he’s “pretty confident that’s what’s going to happen.”
“We don’t hit people with cars. That’s not something we’re supposed to do,” Bates said.
“We recognize that this incident is concerning to our community. Our priority remains the safety and well-being of all residents, including individuals experiencing crises,” a municipal spokesperson said.
Wednesday’s scene was turned over to the Montgomery County Detective Bureau where detectives will conduct a “use of force investigation,” according to a municipal spokesperson. Anyone with information should contact the agency at 610-278-3368.
This is a breaking news story that will be updated as more information becomes available.
