Video of chaotic arrest prompts outrage over 'excessive' use of force

A chaotic encounter between civilians and members of the Rochester Police Department is spreading on social media and raising a host of questions, including whether officers used excessive force.

The chaos unfolded just after 5:40 p.m. Friday on Locust Street, where Rochester police responded to a 911 call for a crash involving a mini bike and car.

"It escalated when he picked up the bike, and we asked him 'Can he get the bike?' And he said 'Back the f*** up,'" said Lenice Skyes, whose daughters were involved in the incident. "And then he come out here, and it just got loud, and everybody just started going off."

RPD said people were obstructing the investigation, became unruly, and made threats as officers were impounding the bike.

RPD continued and said "as a result, an 18-year old male was charged with Menacing in the 3rd Degree and Resisting Arrest for his actions in physically threatening Officers. A second male, age 24, was arrested for Obstruction of Governmental Administration in the 2nd Degree and Resisting Arrest, relative to his actions for grabbing an Officer and interfering with the initial arrest."

"They were mad because they were trying to take the dirt bike, and everybody was defending our property," said Stacy Hawkins, whose son was involved.

The video appears to show officers pushing back on people at that moment.

Hawkins said her 18-year-old son, who is autistic, suffered multiple seizures when he was arrested, and was taken by ambulance to a local hospital.

READ MORE: https://13wham.com/news/local/video-of-chaotic-arrest-in-rochester-raises-questions-on-use-of-force-rochester-police-department-locust-street-mini-biker-autistic-teen-seizure
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