The city of Oswego responded to criticism over how police handled an incident involving three teenagers earlier this week.
The three juveniles — a 13-year-old and two 14-year-olds — were accused of causing property damage to a business and issued appearance tickets.
But it’s what happened before the tickets were issued that has some people saying officers used too much force for the situation.
Oswego Mayor William Barlow released a statement Friday and stressed his support for the Oswego Police Department amid criticism on social media over the way its members handled the interaction.
What You Need To Know
- Oswego Mayor William Barlow released a statement in support of the Oswego Police Department’s handling of an incident this week involving three minors
- The City of Oswego released police body-cam video of the incident, and the mayor addressed the appearance of a video posted online that was shot at the scene by a bystander
- The bystander, George Gugliotta, said he supports the police department taking action against the teens, but took issue with the degree of force used
He said the body camera footage showed the officers' actions were "appropriate, and charges have been filed accordingly."
On Wednesday, Oswego police said they responded to a criminal mischief complaint on West 3rd Street, where they say three juvenile suspects were detained after they allegedly damaged property belonging to a business.
Police said when they tried to talk to the 14-year-old suspect, he was verbally non-compliant, and then attempted to walk away.
When the officer tried to stop him, the 14-year-old allegedly tried to punch the officer. That’s when police say the officer brought the individual to the ground and handcuffed him.
The mayor said that he was happy to release the body-cam video of the incident, stressing the officer did his job and the teens have been in trouble before.
But a video circulating online shot from a different angle has attracted attention on social media, with many saying the officers handled the minor too harshly.
George Gugliotta shot and posted the video.
He said he did not see the 14-year-old attempt to punch the officer. He said while he agrees that the kids needed to be apprehended and face consequences if they, in fact, committed the crimes they are accused of, he believes the use of force was excessive.
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“When it came to the slam, I just felt like that’s when it got to be too much," Gugliotta said. "Besides that, I felt like he did everything he needed to do. If my kids were out running the street, go ahead, grab them, lock them up, put them in the car, take them back to me, but the slam, I just can’t get behind that.”
Gugliotta went on to say he feels officers should not use force on minors for any reason, and said he posted the video to start a conversation about how local authorities should interact with kids who get into trouble.
He said he has received a mixed response.
The mayor's office said the incident will be reviewed internally. The mayor’s statement read in full:
“The three juveniles captured in the footage, combined, have 35 police interactions in the last year and a half. After today’s incident, they will be charged with felonies along with a resisting arrest charge for attempting to punch an Oswego police officer. Rather than relying on flimsily filmed cell phone footage shot at a distance, we have reviewed the body cam footage that clearly shows the juvenile attempting to punch a police officer. The police officers’ actions were appropriate, charges have been filed accordingly, and I’m more than happy to release the body camera footage. Lastly, I applaud the business owner who had their property damaged by these juveniles for immediately notifying police. Thanks to the Oswego Police Department’s swift response and handling of the situation, these three juveniles will now be held accountable.”
The child’s mother could not be reached for comment.