Protests in Rock Hill After Eyewitness Video Goes Viral
Protests broke out yesterday evening in Rock Hill, South Carolina after a video was released by an eyewitness. The video shows two brothers being arrested and facing a struggle with police officers at a Rock Hill gas station. The video can be seen here and viewer discretion is advised.
Later in the evening, many people took to the streets in a protest blocking the intersection of Dave Lyle Blvd and Black Street for several hours.
You can see more on this event and statements from a local Twitter feed below.
Dozens in Rock Hill immediately took to the streets in response to controversial bystander video of Rock Hill officers/Homeland security arresting two men earlier today.
— DaShawn Brown (@DaShawnWSOC9) June 24, 2021
The local NAACP President:
“After viewing the video I was apalled and quite frankly a little bit shocked.” pic.twitter.com/go4eoCKKyJ
STATEMENT: Here’s the response from Rock Hill PD regarding controversy over an arrest captured on video earlier today @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/VyVqko0zqW
— DaShawn Brown (@DaShawnWSOC9) June 24, 2021
In the press release above, the Rock Hill Police Department said Ricky was heard on his cell phone speaking to allegedly his brother, Travis Price when police began to approach the vehicle. Based on Ricky’s previous interactions with officers, a call was made for a K-9 to conduct a vehicle sniff, police said.
As reported by WCNC Charlotte, “As the struggle ensued and officers continued to gain control of Ricky, Ricky and several officers fell to the ground of the gas station parking lot. While on the ground, one officer delivered several punches to Ricky’s upper thigh. Police said the officer was aiming for the Common Peroneal Nerve to gain compliance. According to officers, the punches did not affect and Ricky “continued to resist.” The officer then punched Ricky again, this time in the nose, causing him to bleed. Soon later, both brothers were arrested.”
Travis was taken to the Rock Hill City Jail and charged with Hindering Police. Ricky was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Carrying a Pistol Unlawfully, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of a Violent Offense, and Resisting Arrest.
After the video was widely shared, online, community members took to the streets of Rock Hill demanding answers surrounding the arrest of Ricky and Travis Price. At this time the video has over 93,000 views.
This is an ongoing investigation.
