(WKYT) – Body camera footage obtained by WKYT Investigates contradicts social media accusations that London police officers beat a man during his arrest last month.
Jason Brooks was arrested by London police on May 28. His mugshot sparked accusations on social media that officers caused his visible injuries.
WKYT filed an open records request for the body camera footage. The next day, Acting Chief Gary Mehler went on Facebook to respond.
“Those claims are simply not true,” Mehler said.
Hospital call and assault claims
Mehler said his officers were called to Saint Joseph Hospital for reports of an unruly person who had been brought there by ambulance.
“Officers learned the individual had previously been assaulted at a sober living treatment facility outside the city limits,” Mehler said.
The body camera footage shows officers arriving at the hospital and speaking with a staff member.
“He settled down for five minutes, and then he almost ran over one of my patients as I was taking her into the room,” the hospital staff member said.
Officers were then brought to Brooks’ room.
“What’d you do to your face?” an officer asked.
“The other guy, what did he do to my face when I was chilling with his kids? Ask him, man,” Brooks said.
In the footage, officers told Brooks that because the sober living facility was outside of city limits, they would not be the ones to handle the alleged assault case. They told Brooks that once he was discharged, he would need to arrange a ride home. Then, officers left.
Arrest on outstanding warrant
Some time later, their cameras picked back up in the hospital parking lot, where officers found Brooks with security guards.
Brooks gave officers his ID.
“Well, I might have to throw one more wrench into things. You’ve got a warrant, so you’re gonna have to go with us anyway,” an officer said.
“Okay. That’s fine,” Brooks said.
“But I’m gonna let you smoke a cigarette, sit here for a second,” the officer said.
“No, it’s fine. We can go ahead and go,” Brooks said.
The officer said the warrant was for shoplifting. Officers handcuffed Brooks and placed him in a cruiser. He did not resist.
Brooks was then taken to the Laurel County Correctional Center to be booked.
“Appreciate you, sir. Good luck to you, bub,” an officer said as he left.
Acting Chief Mehler said the London Police Department is “committed to transparency and accountability” in everything they do.
You can watch his full response to the rumors below: