When Laurel Police arrive to work Monday morning, they will be greeted by protesting members of the NAACP.
The demonstration stems from allegations of police brutality apparently captured on cellphone video earlier this month. In that video, an officer appears to punch or slap 27-year-old D’Ante Williams at least three times while being led away from the Laurel Station Bar and Grill in handcuffs. Williams was arrested for disorderly conduct.
The Laurel Police Department has not publicly commented on the case, but the city now faces a $3 million lawsuit filed by Williams.
At a community meeting in Laurel Thursday night, the Prince George’s county chapter of the NAACP asked residents for their input in the case and several other similar alleged incidents.
“The purpose of tonight’s meeting was to start gathering information to support a possible case or information people want to turn over to the Department of Justice to see if there is a pattern of police brutality here in Laurel,” Bob Ross, the President of the Prince George’s County NAACP told News4.
In the meantime, the NAACP wants the police department to put the officer in question on leave.
