Spring Break
Students, parents up in arms about police actions
Natalie Jurgen
Issue date: 9/11/08 Section: News
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The 24-3 Pirate victory celebration did not go as planned. On Monday, approximately a dozen complaints were filed by students and spectators against various agencies for acts of alleged unnecessary force by police officers, and although not yet confirmed by ECU police chief Scott Shelton or any other police department, it has been rumored that there have been many more.
Attendance reached 43,610, the fourth largest crowd in ECU history and the largest since Skip Holtz has taken over as head coach; 114 police officers were present at the game, 60 of which were on the field.
Of these 60 officers, it has been confirmed that a number of them did exude excessive and unnecessary force against some of the students that rushed the field.
Shelton said his department's investigation has positively identified police officers and sheriff deputies seen in video clips taken on the field after the game and necessary disciplinary actions will be carried out by the respective agencies.
Three arrests were made at the game, only one of which occurred on the field.
"There is no denying that what you saw on the film is sickening in nature," said Shelton. "Now what we have to do is make sure we do a thorough investigation and find out, not necessarily what the person did for him to be taken to the ground, but why were punches thrown?"
In the meantime, ECU students are questioning police actions.
ECU junior Wesley Sawyer was among the many students that rushed the field after the game.
"I was standing along the fence near the field goal post with everyone else," said Sawyer. "As soon as the clock ran out people started jumping over the fence. I didn't even realize what was going on. I jumped the fence too and was soon grabbed and slammed to the ground by an officer who then pushed my face into the ground with his knee."
Sawyer said that his wrists were swollen for days from the handcuffs the officer placed around his hands while he sat with the other students being held. Sawyer claims that he was not even allowed to stand up.
In an email sent to ECU police and forwarded to The East Carolinian, Sawyer's father, Jeff, commented on the actions displayed Saturday.
"I hope this incident has opened the eyes of your department and you do what is right to protect the innocent victims that might someday be in a similar situation," he wrote.
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 10
Jonathan Cobbs
posted 9/13/08 @ 12:57 AM EST
Fuck the majority ECU Police.
The majority of them wouldn't take a bullet to save your life even if the bullet was made of pastries. Most of them are a bunch of sorry control freaks with nothing better to do with their life than to compensate their failed missions for the feeling they get punishing and abusing innocent and unarmed students!
Hmm
posted 9/13/08 @ 5:50 AM EST
Interesting viewpoint, Jonathan.
One could infer from it that you're an entitlement minded asshole intent on doing exactly what he pleases when he pleases, who feels that the rules are merely an inconvenience at best which do not apply to you, and who regards authority as a threat to your self absorbed existence. (Continued…)
Hmm
posted 9/13/08 @ 6:08 AM EST
Also ...
Dear Natalie,
Force is not exuded. It is applied or utilized. Your choice of words causes the article to be a difficult read.
Keith Holt
posted 9/13/08 @ 10:09 PM EST
I believe in the police protecting the coaches and athletes while they are trying to leave the field. But most of the ECU players want to celebrate with the fans. (Continued…)
Sad.
posted 9/14/08 @ 12:03 AM EST
I applaud the actions of the police.
Greenville was a shitshow on Saturday and the actions of the pirate fans were downright scary. Downtown was ridiculous. (Continued…)
Reality
posted 9/14/08 @ 1:04 PM EST
This article is not accurate. There has been no determination of excessive force used by any police officer or deputy sheriff. The N.C. State Bureau of Investigation is investigating the allegations and will present a report to the District Attorney for this Judicial District. (Continued…)
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