VIDEO: Chair Of Baltimore Police Oversight Panel Clashes With Officer During Traffic Stop
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Bodycam footage shows a controversial hour-long incident between Baltimore Police officers and a man in charge of Baltimore's police oversight panel who felt he'd been wrongfully stopped.
Marvin McKenstry, the Civilian Oversight Task Force chair, was stopped on April 13 in the 200 block of Aisquith St., where police say he was double parked and refused to pull off -- even after a warning.
An officer asked for McKenstry's license and registration numerous times, but McKenstry refused. Several other officers were called out to assist.
McKenstry eventually handed over his license but admitted he didn't have the registration.
According to our media partners at The Baltimore Sun, the traffic stop happened after McKenstry left a downtown hearing on the consent decree in U.S. District Court.
After Freddie Gray's in-custody injuries that resulted in his death, the federal government forced the city to enact changes to improve the department. Civilian members like McKenstry are part of that process.
Baltimore Mayor Catherine E. Pugh appointed McKenstry to the panel.
"All citizens, regardless of rank, office or status have an obligation to cooperate with our law enforcement officers. This was an unfortunate occurrence that could easily have been avoided," Pugh said in a release.
The police department praised the officer's response during the incident.
"The Sergeant did a good job in a tough situation. He didn't want to make an arrest and he was very patient. This is a situation that officers encounter on a regular basis," Baltimore Police Commissioner Darryl De Sousa said in a release. "We are working with Mr. McKenstry to continue to improve upon police and community relations. We hope that this encounter can be used as a positive training tool to help build relationships."
The Fraternal Order of Police had some stinging words for McKenstry. They said he should apologize and his "lack of cooperation with a lawful police order caused a lengthy confrontation that did not need to occur."
McKenstry told The Sun that the incident was "a misunderstanding that's been resolved."
The FOP is suggesting that the mayor remove him from the panel.
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