Melee breaks out over arrest of Stamford man

Police arrested four men at the Southwood Square Housing Complex in Stamford Friday night after a melee broke out while they were trying to arrest another individual. Stamford police say their intent

News 12 Staff

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May 26, 2007, 11:44 PM

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Updated 6,424 days ago

Police arrested four men at the Southwood Square Housing Complex in Stamford Friday night after a melee broke out while they were trying to arrest another individual.

Stamford police say their intent was to arrest a man who was wanted on an active armed robbery warrant. The suspect led an officer on a short foot chase and was then arrested.

According to a witness report, the chase and arrest attracted a large crowd. Jonita Smith says the police told the crowd to back up. She says an officer pushed her on the ground.

Smith is one of several residents who say they were manhandled by the police. Residents also reported that Tasers and pepper spray were used on the crowd.

Stamford police say the crowd became unruly and necessary force was needed to make the four additional arrests. Three officers were injured in the incident.

Residents of the housing complex say this isn?t the first time police have used more force than necessary. They say they are fed up with the behavior of the Stamford police.