Videos have been released of a chaotic confrontation between Allentown high school students and Allentown Police officers.
Allentown Police say they received several calls reporting a large fight near the 500 block of Barner Street shortly after 4 p.m. on Nov. 13. When they arrived they say they saw a large crowd fighting. The responding officers then tried to break it up and disperse the crowd, according to officials.
“While attempting to do so, officers were met with resistance. The crowd became belligerent and aggressive,” an Allentown police spokesman said. “The individuals on scene were given multiple opportunities by the responding officers to cease their actions and disperse, but they continually and repeatedly refused to follow orders. Due to the increased aggression, threatening behavior and failure to disperse of those individuals present, officers affected arrests.”
Police say more people in the crowd began to interfere as the officers made the arrests while the teens being taken into custody “actively resisted arrest.”
“Juveniles on scene grabbed the arms of officers, jumped on their backs, and obstructed the officers from performing their duties,” the spokesperson said.
In all seven students between the ages of 15 and 17 were arrested and charged with riot, resisting arrest, hindering apprehension, recklessly endangering another person, failure to disperse and disorderly conduct.
Michael Frassetto, a teacher at the Medical Academy Charter School in Catasauqua and member of the United Youth Party, sent NBC10 a video of the confrontation. The video shows two officers handcuffing a teen who is lying on the ground. A teen girl also appears to struggle with and then escape two officers before being wrestled to the ground. One teen also screams, “I can’t breathe.”
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Frassetto claimed the incident on Friday began with an innocent play fight between a brother, sister and a few of their friends after they got off a school bus. However, the police were called when neighbors thought the fight was real, according to Frassetto.
Frassetto believes the responding officers were using excessive force during the incident and said they should have showed more restraint.
“Number one it’s alarming,” Frassetto said. “Am I surprised by it? No, I’m not surprised by it.”
Frassetto claims the incident was indicative of an ongoing problem between Allentown police and local youth.
“Following students with tasers, calling them names,” he said. “That is not the best way to deescalate a situation.”
Allentown Police say an internal review of the incident is underway though they believe the officers took appropriate action.
“There is no evidence that suggests the officers involved acted inappropriately,” the spokesperson said. “Further, I believe that the officers of the Allentown Police Department showed a tremendous amount of restraint and should be commended for their hard work and dedication.”
Another incident, which was also captured on video, occurred outside William Allen High School in Allentown three weeks ago. During that incident, four police officers were injured while five students were taken into custody.
