BRIDGEPORT – A video going viral on social media shows a confrontation between police and a Bridgeport teenager, and the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave.
Investigators say the encounter shows authorities trying to subdue 18-year-old Aaron Kearney, “after he became agitated and was physically threatening to a female officer.”
Police say Kearney himself called police following a minor car accident and became upset after learning his license had been suspended. A family spokesman says Kearney is a college student who comes from a long line of police officers and many people are outraged by the way he was treated.
Officials say Kearney was charged with breach of peace and assault on a police officer.
In a statement following the incident, Bridgeport Police Chief AJ Perez says, “When it comes to my attention that there are legitimate questions surrounding an officer’s use of force, I place that officer on administrative status. This status removes the officer from contact with the public while the case is investigated. I have taken this step with the officers involved in the incident Friday night following a motor vehicle accident on Seaview Avenue, some of which was filmed on video and posted to social media.”
The statement continues, “In the event that an officer is found to have knowingly and willfully violated policy by using excessive force in the performance of their duties, I will make every effort to see that officer separated from their employment with the Bridgeport Police Department and where applicable arrested and charged with a crime. As the Chief of Police, I have a zero-tolerance policy for abusing the citizens who we are tasked and sworn to protect and serve.”