DA Closes Probe Of Peekskill Police Officers' Use Of Force Following 'Troubling' Viral Video Of Arrest

PEEKSKILL, NY — The Westchester County District Attorney's Office has announced that the officers involved in a controversial arrest at a Peekskill waterfront park will not face criminal charges.

On Dec. 4, the Peekskill Police Department referred the Dec. 3, use-of-force incident involving several police officers to the Westchester County District Attorney's Office for review. The incident involved the arrest of a person known to the department at the Riverfront Green Park, according to the DA.

SEE ALSO: As 'Troubling' Viral Video Of Arrest Emerges, City Promises 'Comprehensive Investigation'

The office's Public and Law Enforcement Integrity Bureau then launched what was described as a comprehensive review of the incident. Investigators and assistant district attorneys reviewed the entire body-worn camera footage of the incident, from different angles; interviewed an eyewitness; reviewed incident police reports; reviewed social media footage of part of the incident; reviewed the the Peekskill Police Department's Standard Operating Procedure Manual; and reached out directly to the Peekskill community for any additional information.

The DA's Office said that the main focus of the review was to determine whether the officers' use of force constituted criminal conduct according to NYS Penal Law. After reviewing all of the evidence in this case, the office "determined that there is an insufficient basis to pursue criminal charges against any Peekskill police officer involved in this incident."

The findings were sent to Peekskill Police Chief Adam Renwick, and the matter was referred back to the department for an internal investigation.

The DA's Office also "recommended to the Peekskill Police Department that it consider additional training on how to deal with mentally ill or emotionally disturbed persons and on the use of de-escalation techniques."

In the interest of full transparency, the DA's Office published all body-worn camera footage collected as part of the review, which can be viewed here.

"The City of Peekskill and its Police Department recognize that this event has the potential to damage community trust," the city said in the official statement in the days that followed the incident. "It is important to examine all factors surrounding this incident, including those not visible in the video, to fully understand the actions of both the officer and the individual involved. For that reason, the City is committed to a comprehensive investigation."

In the meantime, the officer involved was placed on administrative leave.

The matter will also be reviewed by the City of Peekskill's Civilian Complaint Review Board, according to officials.