Nationwide — The Syracuse Police Department in Syracuse, New York is under fire after officers were caught in a now-viral video violently arresting a young Black boy for allegedly stealing a bag of chips from a local convenience store.In the video, which so far garnered nearly 6 million views on Twitter, the boy can be seen crying while 3 white police officers were pulling him to the police car.
Kenneth Jackson, the bystander recording the video, can be heard asking the officers what they are doing to the boy who he said “looks like a baby to me.” The officer told him the boy “was stealing stuff.”
“Nah, man, so he’s stealing a bag of chips, you’re treating him like an old cold-blooded ******* killer?” Jackson told the officers who were restraining the boy.
“If he stole some chips, I’ll pay for them! I’ll pay for them! Leave him alone! He’s a kid!” he shouts. The video ended as the boy was placed in the car.
Syracuse Police said in a statement that the boy was never handcuffed. The boy’s father, Anthony Weah, confirmed what the police also said that his son was brought home after the incident and was released without any charges being filed.
However, Weah said he was shocked when he saw the video on social media. He said that he acknowledges that what his son did was wrong but he believes that excessive force was used for such a minor offense.
“Why would the police treat that child like that? Over a $3 bag of chips,” Weah told Syracuse.com, adding that he wanted to file a complaint against the police.
Moreover, Syracuse Police said an internal investigation is ongoing into the officers’ conduct wherein their body cameras will be reviewed. First Deputy Police Chief Joe Cecile said the investigation will determine “what areas of improvement” can be made.