Beaufort Police Under Scrutiny After Viral Video of Thanksgiving Arrest Raises Concerns Over Use of Force

Beaufort Police Launch Internal Investigation After Thanksgiving Arrest Video Goes Viral

This Thanksgiving, the charming city of Beaufort found itself in the spotlight, and not for the turkey dinners or holiday festivities. An internal police investigation is now underway after a cellphone video of a woman’s arrest, which sparked accusations of excessive force, made its way across social media like wildfire.

The video, albeit short and a bit shaky, is part of a longer chain of events that began with a man being pulled over for allegedly driving under the influence. This seemingly routine traffic stop quickly escalated into a chaotic scene involving multiple police officers and a second vehicle that arrived unexpectedly.

The Incident Unfolds

According to Lindsey Edwards, a spokesperson for the Beaufort Police Department, the initial traffic stop occurred just before 11 p.m. on Thanksgiving night, at the intersection of Boundary and Palmetto streets. The driver was arrested for DUI, but things got dicey when his passenger and another car’s driver, both of whom knew the initial driver, got involved. The passenger was charged with resisting arrest and public disorderly conduct while the driver of the second car was arrested for alleged assault.

The incident escalated further when a female passenger in the first vehicle started recording. What she captured was alarming. The 53-second clip shows a woman being forcibly removed from the driver’s seat by one officer while other law enforcement personnel assist in her detainment.

Raw Reactions from the Public

In the video, as the chaos unfolds, the woman behind the camera questions an officer who orders her to back away. “How you gonna tell me to back up?” she retorts. The response from the officer is curt and aggressive, leading to further tension. Soon after, she finds herself being grabbed by the officers, proclaiming, “What is you grabbing me for? I didn’t even do nothing.”

As of Tuesday, the controversial video had garnered over 2,100 shares on Facebook, drawing sharp criticism from viewers. Many expressed horror at the treatment faced by the individuals involved, with comments highlighting concerns over racial bias. “To snatch that lady out (of) her car and sling her on the ground like that hurt my stomach,” shared one concerned viewer.

The Police Department Responds

In a statement released Saturday morning, the Beaufort Police Department acknowledged the video and stressed that their “multi-step review process” for incidents involving resistance is already underway. Their spokesperson, Edwards, noted that while the investigation is happening, none of the officers involved has been placed on leave.

It’s important to note that a deputy from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office was also present during the incident, but Sheriff P.J. Tanner stated that after reviewing body camera footage, he found no misconduct from his deputy. “We’re not concerned about the actions of the deputy that was there,” he said in a command staff meeting.

What Happens Next?

As this story continues to unfold, three of the four people arrested were released on bond early Friday, with the fourth bailing out the following Saturday afternoon. With South Carolina laws not mandating the release of body camera footage to the public, transparency will likely remain a topic of discussion as this case moves forward.

The Beaufort Police Department seems keen on keeping this matter in check and ensuring that all protocols are followed, promising compliance with standards and policies. Officials from the department and sheriff’s office, including Chief Stephenie Price, are likely facing challenging questions as discussions around police conduct and community relations come back to the forefront.

As this investigation proceeds, residents of Beaufort and beyond are left wondering how this incident will impact community trust and the future actions of law enforcement in their city.