Protesters at Red Bank City Hall: ‘Fire Officer Kaylor’
Tuesday night, members of the Concerned Citizens for Justice held up protest signs outside the Red Bank City Hall while a commissioners meeting was being held inside.
"Fire officer Mark Kaylor," was the general theme by protesters.
Kaylor was the officer seen repeatedly punching Candido Medina-Resendiz on a dash-cam video.
Medina-Resendiz was an unarmed suspect who was arrested by Kaylor on suspicion of DUI by consent.
Moments after the Red Bank City Council opened the floor for public comments, protesters and a couple of residents immediately condemned the actions on that dash-cam video.
"We demand that Chief Christol fire Officer Mark Kaylor. We further demand that charges be brought against Kaylor," said one protestor.
One woman was asked to leave when she shouted her displeasure toward Kaylor’s actions.
"I’m just saying that your police beat people because they’re black or brown. You’re police are not above the law," she shouted toward the council.
Another resident walked up the front of the room then turned his anger toward Police Chief Tim Christol who attended the meeting.
"If you’re not the leader then you need to go. If he doesn’t have the leadership skills, it’s time to change him. I know elections is coming up. Folks something needs to be done," he said.
At least one woman publicly supported the police department despite recent scandals along with both a federal and state investigation into Officer Kaylor.
"Our police officers are above board in Red Bank. I support them 110-percent," she said.
Rachel Lopez also attended the meeting with members of the Concerned Citizens for Justice. Her son Anthony was the second person to come forward about police brutality by officer Kaylor.
"The police force here is unbelievable. Unbelievable. They have to fire whoever is in charge. Do something," Lopez said.
"We expect and demand accountability for the police. And we don’t feel that’s what’s happening right now," said Jared Story who represents the Concerned Citizens for Justice.
Despite negative comments about his leadership, Chief Christol said he wanted the public to be aware of one thing about his police force.
"We’re still doing the same job that we’ve done before. We’re responding to the needs of our community. We’re giving the community 100-percent of the service they deserve," Christol said.
WDEF tried getting comment from city council members, but they said they can’t talk about the Kaylor incident while there is a pending lawsuit against the city by Medina-Resendiz and his attorneys.
WDEF did learn the Concerned Citizens for justice will likely stage another protest but nothing has been planned yet.
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