Stamford residents: Police out of line in melee

Some Stamford residents of a housing complex say police officers were out of line during a weekend melee, and a videotape could prove their claims. A group called Residents of Southwood Square sent a

News 12 Staff

May 29, 2007, 10:58 PM

Updated 6,182 days ago

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Stamford residents: Police out of line in melee
Some Stamford residents of a housing complex say police officers were out of line during a weekend melee, and a videotape could prove their claims.
A group called Residents of Southwood Square sent a fax to News 12 Connecticut stating it is possible the near-riot could have been captured on video by any of the surveillance cameras in the housing complex.
According to police, a routine arrest turned into the near-riot Friday at the corner of Pequot Lane and Southfield Drive. Authorities say residents started to verbally defend the suspect, then threw rocks and spit at the arresting officer.
Residents paint a different picture of the incident. They say police Tasered people for no reason and hit several residents with batons. Police admit one person was Tasered, but say officers are entitled to use force necessary to defend themselves.
At least five people were arrested in the incident.
Meanwhile, police say no complaints about excessive force have been filed. The NAACP says it will hold a meeting later this week to discuss the issue.
Related Information:Melee breaks out over arrest of Stamford man


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