on top of that, i have no doubt that this story will soon be in the media. i have already seen it on several other sites. this is not going to be settled out of court.
here is some more information on the incident:
Hot Springs (AP) - Video from the popular internet web site YouTube that was posted by one of six people arrested for skateboarding in downtown hot springs is causing quiet a stir.
Hot Springs police say the skateboarders were in violation of a city ordinance. Now three minors and three adults are facing charges, and the officer who arrested them is on administrative leave.
The video–which was shot by one of the skateboarders, and captured almost the entire incident–was posted on YouTube Monday, and has already gotten more than 30,000 hits.
The kids who were arrested say they were just celebrating National Go Skateboarding Day last Thursday, but police say they were breaking the law.
(Matt McCormack, Arrested for Skateboarding) “He grabbed a kid from around his back by the neck and took him to the ground and choked him.”
(Skylar Nalls, Arrested for Skateboarding) “The kid didn’t know that he was coming after him. He kind of just grabbed him from behind and took him to the ground and started choking him.”
Skylar Nalls first ran toward his friend, snapping still photos, before the 19-year-old Nalls is seen on the video running away from the officer.
(Nalls) “He looked up at me and pointed and he said, ‘hey you, come here.” And then out of instinct, I just ran.”
Officer Joseph Williams gave up on chasing Nalls, but held on to the 13-year old.
Now that so many people have seen the incident on YouTube, the Hot Springs Police Department is being forced to take a strong look at one of their own.
(Officer McCrary Means, Hot Springs Police Dept.) “There is a flood of phone calls and emails…right now there is an investigation of the officer involved in the incident.”
Two of the juveniles are under house arrest because it’s their second time skateboarding on city sidewalks.