Law enforcement officials in South Carolina are investigating the circumstances that triggered two nights of protests following the release of a video on social media showing the police arresting two brothers in the city of Rock Hill. Chris Watts, the city's police chief, stated in a press conference on Thursday that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has been asked to conduct an investigation, and an internal investigation of the Rock Hill Police Department has been initiated, putting two officers on administrative leave.
The video, streamed via Facebook Live, shows the arrest of Ricky Price and Travis Price, involving several law enforcement officers. Justin Bamberg, the men's attorney, said in comments to CNN that "the use of force we see in the video is a perfect example of why African Americans today fear the police in certain parts of America," adding that "there is no justification for such actions against anyone."
Members of the Rock Hill Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit and agents from the Department of Homeland Security were monitoring Ricky Price on Wednesday afternoon when he was stopped for making an illegal lane change, according to a police statement. Ricky stopped at a gas station, where police said he called his brother Travis from inside the car. Officers found two bags of marijuana in the driver's door, a 9mm firearm in the back seat, and later discovered a bag containing cocaine where Ricky was sitting.
Police stated that Ricky was handcuffed and placed under arrest, but his brother Travis attempted to approach to retrieve belongings that officers were taking from Ricky during his arrest and "used his body to push the officers back." The police informed Travis Price that he was being detained for interfering and physically engaging with the officers, and he was pushed toward a large fuel tank after pushing them and failing to place his hands behind his back.
The video shows Travis Price and police officers falling to the ground, followed by a scuffle between Ricky and several officers, ultimately leading to him falling to the ground with them. The police said that their officers removed Ricky Price's handcuffs to take off some jewelry that he indicated he wanted removed, but he attempted to flee, engaging in a struggle with the officers. A police statement reported that one of Ricky's punches hit an officer in the face.
In the video, one officer can be seen striking Ricky, and police said that the officer was punching his upper thigh "to compel him to comply," but when that was unsuccessful, the officer struck him on the nose, causing a bleed. A woman recording the video could be heard saying that Ricky Price had been tased, urging to "look at his face," but police stated that officers did not draw any weapons or use tasers on either of the men.
Ricky Price has been charged with possession of cocaine and marijuana with the intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a violent crime, and resisting arrest, according to police. Bamberg noted that Ricky was denied bail on Thursday, and he is in local jail with a broken nose and swollen eyes, sitting in a wheelchair as he struggles to walk.
Protesters demonstrated for the second consecutive night on Thursday, resulting in the arrest of eight protesters late Thursday night. Norma Gray, chair of the Rock Hill chapter of the NAACP, called for peaceful protests and stated that what happened during the arrest was more than what was shown in the video.
