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

PEEKSKILL, NY — A viral video of an arrest at a waterfront park has sent shockwaves through a Hudson Valley community and beyond.

Peekskill city officials said that the "troubling" cellphone video was taken on Wednesday afternoon, as Peekskill police officers responded to a complaint involving a man at the gazebo in Riverfront Green Park.

"The safety, dignity, and well-being of every member of our community remain our highest priorities," the city said in a statement released on Thursday. "We recognize that the cell phone video capturing part of the arrest has raised significant concern, and we want the public to know that we take this matter extremely seriously. The video is troubling and raises serious questions about what transpired — specifically regarding the officer's conduct and use of force. This incident is under active investigation to determine all relevant facts and circumstances."

Civil rights activist Darrell Davis, who posted the video that was sent to him on social media, termed the actions caught on video, "an atrocity."

"I have sent this video of Peekskill Police tasing, punching and kicking a non resisting man, to the city council, the Attorney General and a lawyer," Davis wrote in a post accompanying the video. "This is assault."

City officials promised a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

"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. "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 has been placed on administrative leave.

The city said that all evidence has been forwarded to the Westchester County District Attorney's Office for an independent investigation. The matter will also be reviewed by the City of Peekskill's Civilian Complaint Review Board.

"We remain committed to keeping our community informed as this investigation progresses," officials promised. "Upholding public trust is essential to our mission, and we will take every step necessary to ensure accountability."

Anyone with additional information, including video or witness accounts, is being encouraged to come forward, by contacting Lt. Adam Renwick at 914-862-1406, or by sending an email to this address.