County Releases Body Cam Footage of Incident Involving Police And a Five-Year-Old Boy From January, 2020
Earlier today the Montgomery County Police released bodycam footage of a Januray 2020 incident that involved Montgomery County Police officers and a 5-year-old student who fled his school after allegedly getting into a fight.
In the video, officers are seen screaming at the child, who at one point was put in handcuffs.
The mother of the child has since filed a lawsuit against Montgomery County, Montgomery County Public Schools, and the Montgomery County Police Department.
According to the MCPD, “a thorough investigation was conducted of the entire event. The internal investigation has concluded. The findings of this internal investigation, as in all internal matters, are confidential under Maryland law. Both officers remain employed by the Montgomery County Department of Police. Due to pending litigation, the Department has no further comment.”
Board of Education President Brenda Wolff released a statement along with Superintendent Smith saying, “It was extremely difficult for us to watch the video of the incident involving a 5-year-old student at East Silver Spring Elementary School. Our heart aches for this student. There is no excuse for adults to ever speak to or threaten a child in this way.”
County Executive Marc Erlich released a statement in which he said, “our police officers are not social workers, psychologists, or therapists and should not be giving advice or direction on parenting. Police duties should end as soon as school personnel are present to take over care of a child.”
Several other council members took to social media to share their thoughts on the incident.
I am outraged by the conduct that I observed in released body camera footage from a 2020 interaction between MCPD, MCPS staff and a five-year old student. No child, should ever be treated this way by the people tasked with keeping our communities safe. https://t.co/Vgc03ban2T https://t.co/2DL9SG7lhc
— Sidney Katz (@MC_Council_Katz) March 26, 2021
The horrifying incident captured by MCPD body cam involving a 5 year old child is exactly why @willjawando @hansriemer and I called for the repeal of Maryland's Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights.
We demand to know when police violate their oath to protect the public. https://t.co/QhSpoT5AZX
— Evan Glass (@EvanMGlass) March 26, 2021
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3 comments
I have dealt with Kevin Christmon, he has a bad attitude so Im not surprised he shouted and yelled at the 5 yr old little boy.
If this was investigated last year, why weren’t the finding released? Do we have to change MD law in order to know what the police investigation found? Why are cops so protected but we civilians are not.
I think too the staff needs to be disciplined. Why did they allow the shouting and berating of the little boy?
This is what happens when there is no parenting and no discipline at home.
This kid is a whining, spoiled rotten kid, and will grow up to be a loser.
Welcome to the New America – going right down the tubes.
Thanks, Liberals!
The officers tried to help and scare him straight. They went above and beyond. The mom needs to figure it out and if can’t, should have kids. Perhaps paying $ for the property the kid damaged and people he assaulted the mom will do something.