Police release video of arrest of 14 year old girl

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – A Chattanooga family has been encouraging people to share a video they posted of a police officer arresting a 14 year old girl.

Her mother is upset how an officer treated the girl.

Their video shows him yanking her out and putting her into cuffs.

Late this afternoon, Chattanooga Police released their own video version of the arrest.

“In order to maintain transparency with the community members Chattanooga Police Officers serve, the department deems it is important to provide context and share the entire interaction captured on the officer’s body worn camera.”

Their video shows the entire 20 minute encounter.

Chattanooga Police say the officer was their to file warrants on another, unrelated case.

He came across other officers who were talking to a repossession agent about the teen who was behind the wheel.

The car was still running, parked in a handicap zone.

“The officer then approached the female and politely asked her to turn off the vehicle.”

She did not.

“The officer determined at that time that an unlicensed, 14-year-old behind the wheel of a running vehicle in a heavily trafficked area of town created a significant concern for the safety of that juvenile, others in the vicinity, and the public at-large.”

The officer turned the car off and removed the girl, eventually cuffing her.

She was taken to the Juvenile Detention Center where she was charged with Resisiting Stop, Frisk, Halt. More charges are pending.

https://youtu.be/3pT8py7ObpY 

The Department has reviewed the video and determined the officer followed proper protocol.

“The use of force used by the officer in this situation is in compliance with the Chattanooga Police Department’s Use of Force policy and training,” said Chief David Roddy.

“Force used by officers can be controversial, but it is also needed in certain situations when safety of the individuals involved and the public at-large are at stake.”