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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[@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!

[@mrmcgraw3706]

Just so you know. He was found not guilty

[@mattschehr163]

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

[@user-bf4qz4vd5j]

Whaaaa....get over it

[@jjr2574]

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

[@richardgrier8968]

@@mattschehr163 Yeah, I'm sure you'd just shrug it off if it happened to you.

[@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”).

[@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

[@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.

[@jamesjennings-yd2bc]

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.

[@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??

[@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-

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@jborn730]

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

[@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

[@Grimeyknowledge]

It’s a lot of Angry People with badges

[@user-fo6cu2xv7q]

I don't blame them

[@user-fo6cu2xv7q]

I don't blame them

[@Grimeyknowledge]

@@user-fo6cu2xv7q 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]

@@user-fo6cu2xv7qyou suck them off huh?

[@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.

[@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.

[@WorldlyAuras-ze9yf]

Police and judges are protected classes in America

[@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-jv2lt]

Holding Rogue Police accountable... is ANTISEMITIC 😂😂

[@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?

[@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

[@user-lj4qy6gf4g]

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

[@LD-bj4xc]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@anthonycovarrubias5949]

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

[@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.

[@sharonburton9663]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@TheBlkpilot]

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

[@user-bu3si9sb6s]

For what that teen just steal a bike

[@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

[@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?

[@melloLL4722]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@CHITOWN8072]

The kid is an accessory how is dude getting charged?!

[@johna3607]

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

[@shavonway2730]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@larrypierson9732]

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

[@junebreeze5620]

The boy's family better sue!

[@user-bu3si9sb6s]

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

[@tofu_golem]

Wow, the cop didn't murder the child? That officer is a credit to his profession!

[@kiillabytez]

By your profile pic, it looks like you're a credit to the mentally ill!

[@nolandaniels4434]

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

[@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.

[@sexytrinny52]

I hope this young man SUE that clown socks off.

[@kiillabytez]

Lol, not likely.

[@TheKh65]

@kiillabytez why not likely? The report just said the family are looking to file a civil complaint. Was you even listening?

[@kiillabytez]

@@TheKh65 Did you even read the report? Didn't think so.

[@kiillabytez]

@@TheKh65 What report did YOU read, or did you just watch the video?

[@kiillabytez]

@@TheKh65 I really don't think the family wants to pursue this.

[@keithharris4378]

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

[@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?

[@neill392]

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

[@johnsteel5347]

2A is useless

[@brendajerez2235]

DISGUSTING.

[@johnsteel5347]

2A is useless

[@mothornton9127]

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

[@BigBootyStarFish]

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

[@emeraldkind]

Sad. Sad. Sad.

[@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.

[@robkinney375]

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

[@randys6220]

The former officer was found not guilty.

[@danandhibb]

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

[@alexstone7594]

If the police officer made a mistake he should still get fired and convicted. The family should sue for millions.💸💸💸💸💸💰💰💰💰💰

[@user-fo6cu2xv7q]

Quiet mud

[@EdGX741]

Yeah sue but it ain’t coming from the police department. The money from the lawsuit is gonna come from the taxpayers which is you.

[@sexyred100]

They worry about bikes 😮 smmh all that other crime going on down there

[@daniel-isaacjames2167]

Dat Part

[@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."

[@danohanlon8316]

Even if the child was guilty there can be no excuse for any cop to use this much force with an unarmed, compliant child.

[@geraldine1437]

Why is the officer's knee in that young man's back? Former officer!!!! It didn't make sense for him to put his knee on his back - over a bike - that he had nothing to do with. Did he observe him doing anything?

[@Tony-ex2rm]

Force is unreasonable to the situtation.

[@glitchy_weasel]

​@@Tony-ex2rmThanks Mr. Lawyer What are you going to say he couldn't breathe now, cause apparently people breath by their butts? 😂

[@Tony-ex2rm]

@y_weasel HAHA Thanks for your insight Mr. Dumbass, because the force has nothing to do with your hypothetical situation of the kids breathing, but with the severity of the crime at issue and if the suspect poses an immediate danger to the officer and if they are actively resisting. Perhaps I'm right and you are wrong because FORMER OFFICER facing felony charges of misconduct and aggravated battery. Perhaps because those of us who have an education and can read know what the word REASONABLE and its application. Move along mental midget.

[@kiillabytez]

Because it's most effective to disable a perp. Would you feel better if the cop asked the child to lay on his stomach so he could be detained? Kid was in front of his friends, and we know how teenagers are when they're with their friends. Just like this entire comment section, everyone's got it all figured out without really having anything figured out.

[@SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648]

@@kiillabytez you demonstrate yourself to be part of that "everyone" but that's what all trolls do

[@KathyPriestley-dn7eq]

He is clearly guilty that young man had done nothing wrong. Absolutely disgusting yet again think they can do whatever they want to innocent people. He doesn't deserve prison but community service with a 6ft sign telling everyone that he's a tyrant and a bully while picking up trash

[@KentuckyBlue502]

Hush, he deserves prison!

[@JaNaeSmith-vk7uk]

No, he DESERVES prison. You can't assault someone because you think. TF! A regular citizen would be doing time in prison. He should get off for what reason?

[@jakeplumber1373]

You are definitely part of the problem saying he doesnt deserve prison. Get ur privileged white ass out of here u are not an ally.

[@kerrycrandall6472]

Just imagine how he treats his own son at home - this is why no one wants cops

[@kevinlockwood7357]

Gee, if you'd waited one more day you could have had the verdict also

[@jondspen]

Nah - we already knew what the verdict was going to be. I'm surprised they even had the trial - but with this - they had to pretend to care about justice or the Constitution. Start watching - the only times anyone in the Thin Blue Line clique gets punished is when the act is so egregious, they know the typical cover ups will affect THEIR power/paychecks. Essentially, convictions only occur when there will be a loss of of state power/trust b/c the people will be pissed.

[@bluesquirrel3919]

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

[@dbog7521]

You can’t kneel on a person ….period.

[@lonnieeasley770]

The cop needs to be fired in a major lawsuit for the family

[@jackbigwig3914]

What’s amazing is how rightful this so called cop thinks he is! He was off duty and freelancing for himself but still thinks he deserves police immunity. Toss the book at him!

[@passiveaggressiveflamingo6851]

I’m glad charges were filed after the officer investigated! That’s good police work and accountability!

[@bluethunder5694]

A judge found him not guilty , imagine that

[@azazel20032001]

Unfortunately, the charges were filed in a kangaroo court with a bought and paid for judge.

[@glitchy_weasel]

​@@azazel20032001Kangaroo Court 😂😂 Maybe the court makes their decision on more context than simply 5 seconds of out of context video footage, just saying lol

[@kiillabytez]

@@bluethunder5694 Sometimes cops are innocent. Imagine that?

[@bluethunder5694]

@@kiillabytez and sometimes they go to the wrong address and kill innocent ppl, so what's your point?

[@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.

[@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

[@Rudywtf]

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

[@eltombre9499]

An off-duty police officer causing problems i’m blown away from shock

[@rugbynimbus]

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

[@leedempster4743]

Should also be charged with child abuse...

[@riettarichardson9485]

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

[@user-nx6qr1mt6f]

“Look! We found the 1 out of a billion wrongly accused!! Let’s make this go viral and defund police!”

[@byronshepherd8415]

But without brave heroes like the police, who will protect us from kids riding their own bikes?

[@acenavarro7314]

disgrace, using your position as a cop now destroys you and your family

[@evilsanta8585]

That cop needs jail time and the fact that he’s a cop doing this is scary!

[@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.

[@angelascottman7509]

Why do they have to place their knees in people backs!! I think that it should be against the law to kneel on someone!

[@Chimera-lx5zg]

Off-duty cop has zero business inserting himself into a situation he invented out of thin air.

[@fredsteiner7991]

Just because he was not hurt, is no reason not to convict officer and send to jail!

[@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

[@traw5832]

Missing charges included trespassing, hate crime, attempt of murder, child abuse, and more

[@skinnie2838]

hate crime? shut up nerd

[@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.

[@dianamunozdezapata795]

If I see my son pinned down by a grown man like that and he is off duty ... he wouldn't like what a mother like I would do

[@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

[@RigoVII]

This is why Accountability is Crucial

[@Mike14G]

Why is the mother taking the stand??? She wasn’t there.

[@kylezo]

You just dropped out of your mom's womb yesterday or sum? Lmfao

[@themanthelegend7048]

The cop doesnt understand why crime is out of control when they keep disarming law abiding citizens. Its a complete mystery why our society is no longer polite.

[@csps56]

It's a shame that 80% of cops give the other 20% a bad name

[@bonnevillebagger9147]

So the kid only received stolen goods. Still an arrest able offense.

[@michaelsutton3092]

Life with no possibility of parole, let him play with the big boys in prison

[@sampicano]

"Assault and battery, false imprisonment, abuse of a minor" Yup all of the above Alex

[@Sub-Zero-392]

This cop needs to be sentenced to a prison term.

[@dangeary2134]

Apparently, this cop thinks that his kid has the only version of that Walmart bike in existence!

[@kathyohara6658]

Why are there no charges of child abuse, assault of a minor?

[@jeffpadilla9891]

Hopefully he is suing the city too!

[@user9b2]

Glad to see how his friends surrounded and shield him.

[@cam_934]

Cop was acquitted now he and the police department have to deal with a civil suit.