Charges against three men involved in the case surrounding the arrest of an Albany Police Officer, and the suspension of two others, were dropped Wednesday morning in Albany City Court.
The charges stemmed from an incident on March 16 that was captured on cell phone video and police body cameras.
Police were originally called for a noise complaint at a home on First Street, which resulted in Albany police officer Luke Deer being charged with assault and official misconduct.
Court documents allege the video showed Deer repeatedly striking a victim, causing physical injuries. Two other officers were suspended without pay.
The arrest report identifies the victim as Armando Sanchez.
According to documents, Sanchez was charged with obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.
Charges against Lee Childs have already been dismissed; he was charged with criminal nuisance and obstructing governmental administration. Mario Gorostiza was charged with inciting a riot, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.
Albany police are continuing to investigate the incident and say more officers could face disciplinary action.
Sanchez, Childs, and Gorostiza say the charges being dropped is just the first step in justice being served and changing the culture of police brutality.
“Today justice was served, it feels good to be on the better side of [it],” said Tiaja Lewis, Gorostiza's sister.
Lewis was present for the incident.
“I have no doubt they were probably playing music too loud and that the police have been there before, but that is not a reason to kick down someone’s door and assault three people,” said Michael Feit, Gorostiza’s lawyer.
Lewis recorded the incident as it unfolded.
“I actually wasn’t raised in a community where we’ve seen those things happen. So when I [saw] the situation [going] left I just decided to pull out my camera,” Lewis said.
Body camera footage shows her brother coming face-to-face with Deer. Lewis believes their story would not be taken seriously if it were not for the cameras.
“There’s a lot of [people] sitting in prison whose stories weren’t believed,” Lewis said. “There’s hope that other police officers know this is not okay and the community is not going to stand for it anymore.”
Feit agreed.
“The fact that something like this has happened, I think, will give people hope that perhaps things are changing,” Feit said.
Wednesday, Spectrum News viewed body camera footage of the incident on First Street. Police Chief Eric Hawkins said more than a dozen officers responded and it is possible more officers will face disciplinary action.