Teen, falsely accused of stealing bike, takes stand in trial of CPD officer pinning him down

The now-former officer is on trial, facing felony charges of misconduct and aggravated battery. CBS 2's Sabrina Franza was in court.
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[@justinenicole3926]

Proud of his friends for protecting him and taking a stand against this monster. Brave boys.

[@jpswaddle7899]

He was in possession of a stolen bike

[@uh_yomomma]

@@jpswaddle7899 womp womp, should’ve handled it like a normal person.

[@jpswaddle7899]

@@uh_yomomma Should've bought a bike like a normal person.

[@wilfredobermudez1181]

The cop you mean, right?@@jpswaddle7899

[@wilfredobermudez1181]

Did you not listen to the video?, the kid was riding his own bike.@@jpswaddle7899

[@peggyesquibel8353]

He needs to be charged just like anyone else would be under the same circumstance. A badge does not clear you of any wrongdoing! The kid was probably scared to death!

[@user-zb6ke7gy7e]

stealing a bike is an death penalty offense if the bike belongs to the son of a cop

[@mrmcgraw3706]

Just so you know. He was found not guilty

[@mattschehr163]

@@user-zb6ke7gy7e it’s not a death penalty for that get over it

[@Susan-k6m]

Whaaaa....get over it

[@Jounior2567]

​@@daa5249I hope the cop is sent as a front liner for a mass shooting

[@waynesellers9929]

WOW... the FORMER officer testified it was OK for him to question the teenager the way he did! The video shows the teen face down on the ground, with his arms pinned behind him and the off-duty officers knee in his back!!!

[@blackredneck4378]

​@-108- don't concern yourself what could have happen before the video. That what is the problem with you people, wanting to speculate.

[@-108-]

@@blackredneck4378 omg not the sharpest nail in the box yikes

[@blackredneck4378]

@@-108- Sharper than you and a brighter light bulb to boot.

[@georgerivera9318]

The cop was off duty and not in uniform. I don't think the kid was trying to run. Sue the crap out of that POS!@@-108-

[@georgerivera9318]

You should talk! You don't seem too bright.@@-108-

[@ADHDIYuk]

If it weren't for his friends that boy may have been even more hurt.

[@imhereforitall9218]

More likely than not or they would have arrested him and taken him away for his parents to collect them and then try to placed in the juvenile system. I saw it happen many times before especially with darker hue kids/boys. Some who do not have a strong family foundation and railroaded into the system at an early age.

[@JohnJohn-wm6dk]

Dude your a racist it’s sad I hope your kids don’t have to go through this but then again I do so you can know how it feels

[@petermclelland278]

Stop using violence as a first resort.

[@spookrockcity]

Are you talking to the black community or the police lmfao

[@kylezo]

The IDF trains them that way my man. Better start thinking differently

[@Icewind007]

@@spookrockcity We are talking about the police, fool.

[@frndlyblckhttie]

@@spookrockcity all you psychopaths.

[@jagbrit3723]

​@@spookrockcity May want to check your history. Projection does not equal reality. Nobody has committed more inhumane violence than caucasian americans, in the modern history of mankind.

[@royaldiadem_]

Imagine being falsely accused, then imagine being aggressively pinned to the ground, then imagine being made a spectacle of in front of a crowd. This cop definitely needs jail time. FN Ridiculous

[@blotfd]

eh, don't crap your pants. shit happens.

[@thecrow4597]

My grandfather was beaten with a baton by a police officer when he was 11 years old for playing stick ball in the street. He told the story as just a matter of fact with zero victim mentality. Modern America is soft as pudding.

[@u.synlig]

@@thecrow4597 Maybe it is a ‘justice mentality’, not a “victim mentality.” An injustice that is not corrected only becomes more severe, as the practices of injustice then feels ‘licensed’ to do as they will.

[@William1866]

The people around were his friends telling the cop to get off. The bike was stolen. The kid had his hands on the bike. Mistakes happen.

[@u.synlig]

@@William1866 That isn’t what was said (that “the kid had his hands on the bike”).

[@wrxsubaru02]

Assault and battery, false imprisonment, abuse of a minor, defamation, and many other charges is what he should be charged with.

[@tommy_kaira733]

If the kid was white yes of course the cop would of be charged..with all of the above,but unfortunately the kid is black..

[@justliftit7866]

Why is it that cops stretch every slight action into a significant criminal but when it comes to their own, they give every excuse they possibly can to limit the number of charges.

[@tjcombo9328]

@ftit7866 Well hey theyve learned it from all the criminals they have taken in and now use the very excuses given to them as crutches to see if it sounds better coming from him like hes SOMEBODY ENTITLED

[@ajm5007]

@@tjcombo9328 It's the other way around. "Criminals" learn it from cops.

[@yaash4123]

I think you need to prove economic damage for defamation.

[@savinaking8637]

He wasn't justified in the way he acted, because he needed proof first. Without proof he could be stopping EVERY BIKE that looks like his son's bike.

[@tramdr]

Even with proof and even if the teen had stolen a bicycle, it is not right to do that to a minor, period.

[@kiillabytez]

@@tramdr If you commit grown up crimes, get grown up punishment. There is no age-limit on crime.

[@ivandankob7112]

@@kiillabytezhe had hands on HIS OWN bike, not the stolen one

[@kiillabytez]

@@ivandankob7112 Incorrect. Read the report.

[@cherrelleg8276]

@@kiillabytez u can touch whatever u want. He didn’t leave with it or take it. Theirs only so many bike companies many look a like. He could have thought it was his bike or looking to see.

[@ianbattles7290]

What would happen to the average citizen who assaulted a child because they mistakenly thought that child stole a bicycle?

[@jborn730]

Terrible. The kid will remember this violation for his entire life. PTSD.

[@jeffreybryan5591]

He should be charged as a civilian since he was not on duty...

[@jondspen]

He is a civilian - military are NOT civilians.

[@clarenceball3320]

He should get charged as a civilian no matter what

[@enigmalfidelity]

​@jondspen Sgt is an officers rank. Yes, it's military as well, but this Sgt was of the cop breed. It means "a non commissioned officer placed above the rank of a corporal, and a police officer right below a lieutenant in the USA.

[@jondspen]

@@enigmalfidelity I know rankings.....police are still civilians. They are suppose to be regular members of society just like you and I.

[@giancarlocarattini4985]

So was there ever a stolen bicycle by ANYONE??

[@randyb5579]

When you hear bench trial just know the judge is part of the con game. That's exactly why so many disgraced criminal officers choose a judge over a jury, or don't mind federal charges. They'll either be acquitted outright (duh, your friends from the bench) or given slaps-on-the-wrist for even the most heinous crimes.

[@azazel20032001]

It also helps that the prosecutors and judges are bought and paid for by the police union.

[@bikkiikun]

And as predicted, that Violent Criminal got away with his crimes...

[@rockon8174]

They will take a settlement.

[@kiillabytez]

Your subjective comment has been noted, and dismissed.

[@kiillabytez]

@@azazel20032001 Police Union? That doesn't exist. Making things up doesn't make you right.

[@penni6432]

Because the off duty "cop" thought this young man had stolen "his" son's bike, this makes it more of an issue emotionally. You don't pin someone down over a bicycle. Thankfully nothing physical or worse happened to this boy. It certainly could have...over a bicycle.

[@iDLg]

Recently, Mr Jim Rogers was tazered to death over an allegation of bike theft; he was brutally assaulted, arrested and died in the back of police car handcuffed while they leisurely past at least two hospitals in route to providing him medical care; TURNS OUT, he had not stolen anyone’s bike

[@penni6432]

My God! Yet mass murderers get taken to the ground, no tazing, no brutal force, handcuffed, and arrested. I can absolutely see why Mr. Rogers was trying to get away. He was being brutalize over an ALLEGED bicycle theft. @@iDLg

[@kiillabytez]

A crime is a crime. I believe all criminals should be accountable in the most advanced manner enforced by law. The cop probably kept this kid from going down a dark path later in life.

[@kiillabytez]

@@iDLg So, give us a link to this case and its information then. You can't just spew out random crimes resulting in death without providing context to your resources.

[@user-ye6ty9ie8g]

@@kiillabytez stop licking boots

[@alliekingsley7919]

Can't believe this bastard didn't go to jail for this, they had it on VIDEO. He obviously did what he was accused of. Motherfking judges need to be held to account when they do this.

[@jondspen]

A judge is the combination of a lawyer and a politician. The only other slimy lying profession that isn't included is Used Car Salesperson. Those spots don't change - why you think they were a dress to hide the spots - why you think we are forced to call them "Your Honor" when it's obvious they have none?

[@johngordon5168]

Yes Jesus!

[@HughJass-313]

Holding Rogue Police accountable... is ANTISEMITIC 😂😂

[@ryanfleming9485]

As soon as I hear “a judge not a jury” will decide this case I knew it would be a not guilty verdict. Googled it and sure enough… not guilty. We investigated ourselves and found no wrong doing. 🤦‍♂️

[@johnsteel5347]

Police are above the constitution and false accusations of rape are not a problem

[@cbeto765]

Of course that would be the outcome

[@puramafia5373]

They need to close that loop hole of cops getting a bench trial

[@Blackraregem]

He white

[@natehollings]

@@Blackraregem he's not white but good try. he's a police officer

[@PacoSmith]

Glad to see the youth's family is seeking to hold that (former) cop accountable.

[@mrmcgraw3706]

He was found not guilty.

[@mattschehr163]

@@mrmcgraw3706no he’s guilty

[@glitchy_weasel]

@@mrmcgraw3706 Great.

[@blotfd]

the youth is a poc though

[@Milesco]

@@mrmcgraw3706 Is that true? Do you have a source / link?

[@idontlikeit.7822]

What caused the officer to act the way he did? Poor training and a lifetime of being self deluded

[@tramdr]

Sorry. I would just say one single thing and word caused him to act that way. It was not training either. It was simply racism.

[@kiillabytez]

He had probable cause. The bike was in the kid's possession when the officer acted. Don't you ever comprehend what you read, or are you just an armchair crusader looking for ways to "beat the system?"

[@ivandankob7112]

@@kiillabytezyou’re the one who missed the point - it was kids own bike, not the stolen one And even if it was a stolen one, an off duty gorilla is not supposed to tackle children

[@springpocket6941]

just American five-o being the way they are, nothing new here

[@aralornwolf3140]

And never being held accountable for prior actions.

[@Grimeyknowledge]

It’s a lot of Angry People with badges

[@Tom-p5u8s]

I don't blame them

[@Tom-p5u8s]

I don't blame them

[@Grimeyknowledge]

@@Tom-p5u8s I’m sure you don’t

[@shamaradanielson1945]

@user-fo6cu2xv7q when they abuse and misuse those badges there is total blame on crooked cops . Cops are proving everyday that they can not be trusted to do the job THEY WERE HIRED TO DO . I have no sympathy when they get their butts waxed !

[@DickTahshon]

@@Tom-p5u8syou suck them off huh?

[@stickshaker101]

I love how they used the "I feared for my life" line against the cops for a change.

[@Metqa]

Nowadys, it's a sad truth, that people are more afraid than soothed by cops approaching them. Even people who call for police assistance end up abused, battered and convicted of false crime BY the police who come, just for being the victime of a crime commited upon them. That's not the way it should be, but it is. It's a shame that FEAR is the first emotion associated with police. Mr. Rogers once told _“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers . You will always find people who are helping._ ’; I am not sure that police are universally considered helpers anymore, since they often ARE the Scary Things we see. Cheers.

[@Westcountrynordic]

UK travel agents advise their customers NOT to approach American police and to avoid contact of any sort if possible.

[@stickshaker101]

@@Westcountrynordic It's really sad that that's such good advice.

[@aralornwolf3140]

Correction, "I feared for my life because I didn't know what this _man_ would do to me. I thought I might even lose my life." If an officer can't tell the difference between a young teen minding his own business and an adult... On the other hand, the "I feared for my life" has gotten many officer out of the murder charge... even when the victims were unarmed... so maybe he thought it would work this time too.

[@Raooka]

except they didn't use "I feared for my life" as justification of vile acts against the cop

[@7horsefan970]

Doesn't matter if he had "probable cause." He was working a personal case off the clock and he violated this young man's 4th Amendment rights.

[@cleanupkyle]

And, of course, the wildly corrupt judge ruled that the piggy did nothing wrong and acquitted him of all charges because we live in a police state

[@kiillabytez]

Your subjective comment has been noted and dismissed.

[@nicholaswhite3457]

@@kiillabytez i don't think you dismissed the comment. You would like to, but they still make you consider enough to keep responding. If you dismiss, then just ignore instead of highlighting them. Counterintuitive.

[@cleanupkyle]

@kiillabytez climb off your mom's back, get out of the trailer park and go read some books cletus.

[@monkeynator109]

Ignore the trolls, they waste out energy and will never change their minds until it happens to them.

[@Callidus5949]

Your moronic comment has been noted and dismissed.@@kiillabytez

[@petesmith9472]

Once again…another example of the worst law enforcement system in the developed world

[@kiillabytez]

Shows how ignorant you are.

[@user-je3zc3nj9c]

Exactly

[@jondspen]

3rd world countries are better - there you can defend yourself, or at least afford the bribes.

[@smokingjoe9864]

You should of seen it before cameras. They ruled with an iron fist.

[@JC130676]

I'm not sure the USA is that "developed" anymore, the country seems to be devolving rapidly. 😞

[@whammo11224]

This video just popped up on my feed. The officer was found not guilty! The judged stated that he did not believe the teen's story and that he (the judge) lost sleep agonizing over his decision!

[@MrAvocado233]

Where ? Proof ?

[@DemiB5030]

He was “agonizing” yet never believed the kid….. sure bud🙄. I bet him & the cop have a history

[@kevinbarry3548]

The FIX was in and the judge/judicial system is in on it every time. Welcome to America.

[@SeanPat1001]

Was the video not allowed into evidence? It would seem that would be sufficient proof. At any rate, the standard is beyond a reasonable doubt for criminal trials. However, for civil trials is the preponderance of the evidence. Since this officer was not acting in his official capacity as a police officer, qualified immunity would not apply.

[@patrickslomka2017]

If that cop did that to my kid that cop would be seeing Jesus

[@bobsmith-c6v]

he wont be found guilt and will serve no time. corrupt system ,corrupt cops,corrupt govt!!

[@L11-v4v6i]

Spot on that’s exactly what happened,the judge even blamed the kid and said he didn’t believe the kid

[@melloLL4722]

Cop practicing his normal behavior..so sorry kid had this experience!

[@billbixby7877]

How did the Gestapo control America? The Gestapo was granted total freedom from the oversight of the official judiciary system in America. This meant that members could arrest, interrogate, and execute Americans without restriction. A person only had to be deemed suspicious by the Gestapo to be condemn to prison without trail, or street side execution.

[@briancooper2112]

As a Jew you comparing police to the gestapo is disgusting. 6 million Jews dies at the hand of nazis you dumbass! Are you a liberal? Your stupid that's a fact

[@gemeames1597]

Gestapo is a WW2 German term for the official secret police of Nazi Germany and in German-occupied Europe. So what do the "Gestapo" have to do with 21st century USA police? That we have too many egocentric people in the police department that think they are above the law, and because of this they violate civilian US Constitutional rights on a daily basis. Well that is a problem with law enforcement on a national level, and will not get resolved until Congress starts doing a real job in deciding to enact some laws to bolster the constitutional rights of its citizens.

[@carloko08]

the Gestapo? Are you sure? wow, the "Gestapo" stopped working in 1945, BUT WHAT STARTED WORKING AFTER THAT YEAR WAS THE KGB, and right now yankeeland IS ANYTHING BUT NAZI GERMANY, and like the political shit that yankeeland became IT COMES FROM COMMUNIST MARXISM THAT WAS ESTABLISHED IN YANKEELAND FROM THE 60'S ONWARDS WHAT THERE IS NOW IN YANKEELAND IS THE KGB AND NOT THE GESTAPO, DUMB You should read more history before talking nonsense.

[@michaelwilcox5168]

Giving someone a badge and gun seems to also give them the idea that they can act as they please with no repercussions.

[@wyattfamily8997]

It seems they can.

[@kiillabytez]

Are you mentally challenged?

[@reedecker9416]

Amazing that a cop's first thought is attack instead of actually acting like a detective. There was zero need for hands on. This young man was not a threat!

[@solgarling-squire7531]

The court determined the cop was NOT GUILTY despite the obvious.

[@jondspen]

And this wasn't a cop on duty performing an investigation. This was a father who was an LEO off duty and knew he could do whatever he wanted to whomever he wanted with no repercussions.

[@shavonway2730]

Glad his friends were real friends and stood there and helped him off the ground do better people 😢

[@TheBlkpilot]

Sue the officer and the judge for not following the law.

[@JessicaZarzycki]

For what that teen just steal a bike

[@kathleengooch3619]

Damn shame 🫠 The officer needs to be fired 😳

[@jeffreybryan5591]

He was...

[@jimmyhaley727]

jail time

[@shamaradanielson1945]

​@jeffreybryan5591 when ? Just curious as a couple comments above you said he was found not guilty by the judge . I really really hope the douche was found guilty and tossed in prison where people get what's coming to them 😁🫣🤭

[@ljeans531]

Child abuse

[@kiillabytez]

Why?

[@keefersmotherland1308]

His attorney isnt being honest ... "it was difficult for the family to sit there and have to hear josh retell what happened last year" Like they didnt hear the story before? Are you telling me it was their first time hearing it??? I call BS. Not on the kid or the kids version, I am calling BS on the attorneys claim.

[@keithharris4378]

Imagine a cop getting the luxury of having a judge decide his fate. Talk about bought and sold.

[@joshuastanton6731]

Where’s the assaulting a minor charge?

[@kiillabytez]

It was police procedure, dummy.

[@ajm5007]

He is being charged with aggravated battery of a minor, which INCLUDES the lesser charge of assault. If you're charged with battery, then you are AUTOMATICALLY charged with assault as well. It's what's called a lesser included offense.

[@kiillabytez]

@@ajm5007 He was innocent.

[@christopherbrochu7492]

@@kiillabytez He was found not guilty, but whether he was actually innocent is another matter.

[@kiillabytez]

@@christopherbrochu7492 The law cares little for your feelings in the matter, as do I.

[@phobicx5999]

No child abuse charge Wow

[@sabin97]

@@kiillabytez for it to be legally abuse he had to break his arm or something?

[@kiillabytez]

@@sabin97 You tell me your opinion and I'll tell you how it applies.

[@sabin97]

@@kiillabytez i have no opinion. i'm asking if he has to break his arm or something for it to be legally abuse.

[@kiillabytez]

To charge someone with child abuse, you must prove that child abuse was committed.

[@kiillabytez]

@@sabin97 To claim Child Abuse, an act must fall under one of two situations: 1: Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; or 2. An act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm. The child in this video was not physically harmed, due to the assumption that the officer did not act in an overly aggressive manner.

[@jccook5353]

Cops firmly believe they are super special and deserve special treatment and special breaks. Because they are so very special.

[@jondspen]

Thin Blue Line - LEO is on top and gets ego stroked by all the in clique people they make exceptions for - the rest of us peasants below the line are guilty of something, they just need time to figure out what.

[@kevinbarry3548]

Why wouldn't they believe that. America gives that to them (with the assistance of the judicial system and prosecutors on both sides of the aisle) EVERY time. How's this working for you America?

[@jondspen]

@@kevinbarry3548 Nope - American's did not give this to them, it was corrupt lawyers and judges who have destroyed the judicial with worship of case law, not the Constitution. What Americans have done is sit on their fat asses and taken it. As a Somalia combat vet, I am disgusted by the average US citizen. At best they only vote in a popularity contest every 4 years. People do more maintenance on the vacuum than the government which serves them. Takes 5 min to voice an email to rep/senator/WH on any topic - you can't even get the average American to do that once a Fing year, but "thank you for your service. Sorry about you missing legs, but gas is

[@jorgeposadas1192]

15yrs hahahahahahahaha it doesn't matter where its taking place at, there is no cop that's ever gonna do 15yrs for what law enforcement would call a low level offense, but if you did it, you've be buried under that prison.

[@dennisshank2715]

He got away with it. His friend the judge let him off of the hook. The child's family is now suing.

[@johna3607]

You should be held accountable for your actions including if you're an officer.

[@sharonburton9663]

How would that so called peace officer feel if an idiot adult did that to his kid.how deplorable for a pos cop

[@nevaalton-lynn7765]

It is about time these criminals are held responsible for their actions. This is DISGUSTING

[@kiillabytez]

It's okay, the kid was found innocent.

[@D-blaze]

So the kid was in possession of a stolen bike? I've never ridden a stolen bike but if i did i would assume someone might be looking for me.

[@ttt69420]

It should be illegal for any member of the CJS to have a bench trial instead of a jury trial. Just like it should be illegal for the police to investigate themselves.

[@larrypierson9732]

That is going to be a very expensive bike when this is all said and done.

[@ironbowtie]

We all know he isn't going to get 15 years. He won't get any time, just probation.

[@phobicx5999]

Community service 🤯

[@deepakkv303]

He was acquitted.

[@thomascorrea3937]

Unfortunately you are right

[@glitchy_weasel]

He has acquitted on all charges 🥳

[@kiillabytez]

The alleged bike thief?

[@ethansprofile6670]

Go for the "big bucks," with the lawsuit. The cop brutalized you because he thought you had his son's bike. This is a directed assault and premeditated.

[@kentberrier269]

There it is. Cop breaks the law and the first thing they say is he was acting in good faith. Guess anyone not a cop needs to use thst defense from now on

[@lambsypte4482]

A judge will pass judgment? We all know who that is going to go.

[@robkinney375]

So are you going to tell us what happened or leave us hanging....

[@randys6220]

The former officer was found not guilty.

[@neill392]

Judge cleared him and made a serious attempt a serious attempt to blame the child.

[@johnsteel5347]

2A is useless

[@bluesquirrel3919]

Those white boys told that cop to get up off their friend, cop got his azz up real qiuck.

[@lfdab34]

If an officer loses a court trial he should never be allowed to police ever.

[@BigBootyStarFish]

Judge found him not guilty . He's an officer again today

[@emeraldkind]

Sad. Sad. Sad.

[@jeffbaca1173]

This is the way you question someone, fairly certain that idiot wouldn’t have questioned a grown man with a group of his buddies around the accused.

[@lottytaylor572]

Are all american cops bullying narcissists

[@truck_dude]

I'm 16 and first time getting falsely accused of stealing an item in my local gas station. All I did is that I put my stuff down on the cart then reached for my keys so I could unlock it to grab my wallet that I forgot in the truck, when I went back inside the dude straight up said "Did you steal something" then kept repeating "are you sure" and almost called the police and gave me a sort of warning and he said if I did that again he'll call the police. So, I just picked up my stuff then paid for them. Just some old guy thinking I stole something probably cause I reached down to grab my keys...

[@craigshred13]

I think a jury should be mandatory for law enforcement when they go to trial cause judges side with their friends in blue.

[@selwynowen6213]

This man should be found guilty of assaulting a child, and using excessive force

[@saints5597]

The audacity that these people have to think that they can put hands on you. You don’t own anything. Nobody going to accept that.

[@skylergardner2792]

The bike that he was holding/checking out was indeed the police officer's son's. Someone else stole the bike, the kid he pinned just happened to be holding the stolen bike when the off-duty police officer arrived. And yes, the kid had his own bike as well, so likely a friend stole the bike, and his buddy got the grief for it. Makes sense on why the charges were dismissed by the judge.

[@nolandaniels4434]

This corrupt cop must get the maximum sentence of 15 years in prison

[@valeriewimberly4568]

This is why we need to end "Qualified Immunity". Taxpayers are going to have to foot the bill when this family sues and WINS potentially hundreds of thousands or maybe even millions of dollars. I get it policing is an extremely difficult professions and they have to make life and death decisions in mere seconds. Having said that there have been WAY too many examples of actions like these where police for whatever reason do NOT act in a way that is reasonable and abuse their authority. They need to have liability insurance just like doctors to prevent help deter "malpractice". Instead of spending all this money on more combat equipment for police, we need to invest in de-escalation training, phycological training, better education and better compensation to attract the best most mature candidates to become police officers. Additionally, if you are fired from one police department for abuse, there should be a nationwide ban on you being able to serve in any other police/sheriff department in the USA.

[@unclesmrgol]

I'm at a loss here. At about 1:27 the newscaster mentions that some kid Nieves is talking to in a video had the stolen bike. There's quite a bit that's not clear about Mr. Nieves and his friends.

[@junebreeze5620]

The boy's family better sue!

[@JessicaZarzycki]

So you telling me it's ok to steal a bike

[@dbog7521]

You can’t kneel on a person ….period.

[@peterddb1593]

UPDATE - The judge found him not guilty. Sigh…

[@tomji7415]

"Judge rules off-duty CPD Sgt. Michael Vitellaro not guilty after teen pinned to ground in Park Ridge" June 16, 2023.

[@johnsteel5347]

2A is useless

[@jimwile9313]

What a lovely police officer - I think he should be LEO of the year.

[@jimmyhoffa2458]

That action should never ever happen to a child. Not every action has to be treated that way. Even an officer shouldn't accuse or jump to conclusions without having all the facts and still not do what this officer put the child through. I am sure that wasn't taught in your training. Also If that were his child he wouldn't put up with such treatment.

[@KeithFoad]

I hope legally the teen sued the police for force arrest, force imprisonment, mental cruelty, and deformation of character and assault.

[@robertkirby8685]

What a clown and a coward that officer is, he needs to be in prison.

[@KatmendooSocanyou]

this is what happens when you give inmates 2 weeks training and a badge.

[@Rudywtf]

wait what happened? did he recieve stolen property? what does, socializing with the person dropping off the stolen bike mean?

[@ricosuave8123]

Update?

[@EST.1996]

Wow . I can’t even imagine how terrifying that was . I am so glad he also had his friends with him . When he got up they ALL made sure that guy didn’t grab him again .

[@LoveLumps7585]

Hopefully the good cops will protect this kid... it may get rough for him after this.

[@cmarne88]

A judge makes the decision? Why?

[@petertimmins6657]

Can you say “ deprivation of rights under color of law”?

[@dimitrijensk2845]

Found not guilty. What a joke.

[@explorewithme4707]

I’m still not sure what exactly happened. Great reporting

[@aftertheheadlines]

It was confusing.

[@tim2024-df5fu]

It helps to know the law because as a juror I'd kick it to the curb. "Aggravated battery is a serious form of battery that involves a physical act or contact with another person without consent and with an intention to cause harm." Cornell Law. Notice the qualifier "intention to cause harm". I don't see that he intended to cause harm, he was simply restraining him. Reading the comments people act like he beat him or something.

[@jeffbryan3224]

WHY is MOM taking the stand? The vid doesn't tell EVERYTHING? I guess we have to hear about EVERYONE'S FEELINGS!

[@ClassicOpinion]

It’s my opinion: ~The off duty officer should be suspended…..and jailed…….his duty was to call the local police and report his son bike stolen not take law in his own hands despite being a public servant…..I’m sure the off duty officer would not like if the boys father knew his son was innocent and walked up and shot or attacked the officer for pinning his son down! This is why there are rules there are laws in place that must followed~

[@USMC6976]

No, he had a right to investigate. It is a misnomer to say he was "off-duty". He was "off-shift". They are never off-duty. However, he needed to investigate, and unless he had put some specific identifying marker (like engraved his son's name on the bike", a bike that looks like it is not proof. There is some stupid decision process going on in that cops head.

[@riettarichardson9485]

Whether stole a bike or not, the cruel abuse is insane…that’s a minor!!!! Shame on the cop!

[@okaydudes]

Probable cause? You were off duty and it was not an active case. You should be tried as a civilian

[@3dsmaxrocks699]

So who stole the bike? Ahhh....that part doesn't get mentioned.

[@kswiss4658]

And the "unbiased judge" who rarely rule against the police...found him not guilty...

[@mightyactionx9391]

Qualified immunity won't save you on this, brother. You were off-duty.

[@johnsteel5347]

And yet he got off consequence free. Americans are simps for crooked pigs

[@dan-sc7fm]

If you are watching this video a year later, you would be wise to look at the judges' vedict. The off duty officer was found not guilty. This video did not accurately narrate what actually occurred. The child was seen holding and sitting on the stolen bicycle. In addition, according to a follow-up news article published by WTTW news, the family has a long track record of suing the city of Chicago for police mis onduct. According to the news article the judge gave a 45 minute explanation why he found the off duty police not guilty.

[@waynemurphy7394]

A lot of information left out of the story ! Did he have a stolen bike ?

[@rugbynimbus]

Off duty = ordinary citizen. Treat and prosecute as such.

[@tonypegler9080]

Pavlus ruled that Vitellaro acted reasonably when he grabbed the teen and forced him to the ground because the teen was on Vitellaro’s son stolen bicycle and appeared to be in the process of riding away. However, the teen testified he was simply moving the stolen bicycle to make way for his own bicycle, which he had with him.

[@kidm0bius190]

supreme court needs to state for once and for all, whether a cop is a cop off duty or not. cause this crap happens all the time "im an off duty cop you HAVE to do as i say or you'll get charged for resisting."

[@danandhibb]

I love how his friends picked him up and surrounded him. Amazing friends amazing parents.

[@jmd3748]

He could face the minimum of being let free.

[@willgeo2215]

Police have forgotten the "protect and serve" motto on the side of their vehicles.

[@jondspen]

No they haven't - it's just "protect and serve" our own self interests.

[@johnsteel5347]

2A is useless

[@fredperry523]

Off duty criminal with a badge !

[@mothornton9127]

One day y'all going to learn about messing with someone’s child and pay dearly.

[@Pet1717]

Found not guilty of course! He wasn't even on duty if it was one of us. We would be in jail. The cops, the lawyers, the judges. They're all in the club and we're not in it.