I-Team: Durham police excessive force claims
DURHAM (WTVD) -- The controversial dash camera video showing a Durham officer taking down a bicyclist during a traffic stop has resurfaced on social media.
The Southern Coalition for Social Justice, one of several groups pushing for policy changes within Durham's police department, recently posted the video along with an interview with the bicyclist, an alleged victim of excessive force.
John Hill, 58, of Durham told the Southern Coalition in a videotaped interview that he has lived in the Bull City for six years, but no longer feels safe.
"Protection. That's the bottom line," explained Hill in a YouTube video posted on June 12. "All I want is to feel safe. Now I don't feel safe around a police officer 'cause you don't know what you're going to get when you call them."
Hill is a burn survivor. His scars are visible in the videotaped interview. He says he couldn't breathe and was injured during the traffic stop at the intersection of Lawson Street and Alston Avenue last September when the officer slammed him on the ground. The officer stopped Hill for allegedly running a red light.
The Durham Police department initially released the dash camera video on its Facebook page. During an interview in May, Police Chief Jose Lopez defended Hill's arrest and his officer's actions, calling the takedown a textbook maneuver used to secure uncooperative suspects.
"Anytime we make an arrest, the last thing we want to do is have any physical encounter or have to use any force," Chief Lopez said, adding that his officers had to make a quick decision at a busy intersection where the bicyclist had endangered himself and other drivers.
Hill was charged with running the red light and resisting arrest. Months later, Durham police say he was uncooperative with an internal investigation of the incident.
During his trial, a District Court judge raised questions about the officer's use of force and ultimately cleared Hill of all charges.
"The additional videos show Mr. Hill struggling to breathe and repeatedly begging for air, something the officer denied knowledge of when he testified under oath at Hill's trial," said Ian Mance in a written statement on behalf of the Southern Coalition.
There's limited audio of the roadside encounter caught on camera because the officer forgot his microphone. According to Hill's supporters, video of paramedics treating his head injuries also mysteriously disappeared from the police recording system.
Hill's first public comments come at a time when Durham city leaders are considering a laundry list of policy changes after a series of public hearings focused on accusations of racial bias and profiling during traffic stops.
The Southern Coalition issued a statement today, explaining why it posted its interview with Hill.
"We released this video because it is important for the public to know the sort of violence that Durham officers have been willing to use in response to the most minor of violations," explained Mance.
Durham's City Manager has promised to personally review more than 30 police policy recommendations submitted by the Human Relations Commission. His findings will be discussed at a meeting in late August.
