Tags: Police Brutality | Police State

PASSAIC, New Jersey (WABC) -- There was a rally against police brutality in New Jersey. It follows Friday's release of a surveillance videotape showing a police officer beating a man outside a bar in Passaic.

A surveillance tape just happened to capture the whole thing.

It showed a cop getting out of his car and getting more than a little rough with a man standing on a street corner.

"I didn't know if I was going to see tomorrow at that point," Ronnie Holloway said.

Shawanna Barksdale, a Passaic resident was at the rally, as well.

She told Eyewitness News she was beaten by the same officer a year ago, but the case was dismissed.

Through tears Barksdale said, "...it just hurts, he shouldn't even be on the force anymore."

One week after the beating, Ronnie Holloway's eye is still black and blue. But it's an improvement.

"I don't know why he did that, I respect the law," said Holloway.

Continue For Video

Police State Is Upon Us

Last Friday, surveillance footage shows Holloway waiting outside Lawrence's restaurant in Passaic when a police cruiser pulls up and a female officer asks Holloway to zip up his sweatshirt. Holloway appears to comply, but in an instant, Officer Joseph Rios III jumps out and starts beating him.

That's not all. The video shows Officer Rios beats Holloway with his fists and his baton.

The 49-year-old, who is on medication for schizophrenia, does not appear to resist but that doesn't stop Officer Rios. At one point, he seems to stand Holloway back up, only to bodyslam him into the police cruiser.

Officer Rios' partner looks like she's trying to intervene, but the punches don't stop until back-up arrives.

Holloway, who says he has no police record, was arrested on charges of resisting arrest and wandering with the intent to buy drugs. He has filed a complaint and an Internal Affairs investigation is underway.

"It's a clear example of brutality, that officer needs to be removed from the police force," said Holloway's lawyer, Nancy Lucianna.

Officer Rios, a seven-year veteran on the force, remains on active duty. Passaic police had no comment.

Long gone are the days when the Cops would’ve approached this man in a kind and nonthreatening way, perhaps saying “hello Sir, listen could you please do us a favor and zip your sweatshirt up so your a little more covered-up when you’re out here in public”?

I know, even that would be petty based on the fact that there’s no law against a man exposing his bare upper torso like that, but if Cops are going to ask that of anyone there’s a way to do so and a way not to. Obviously, this thug Cop was just taking advantage of an opportunity to play “tough guy” and he should be punished severely for his actions…including loss of job, his State Police license taken away, criminal assault and battery charges, prison, etc.

Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that anything will happen to him or at most a slap on the wrist. There is no justice in this country anymore, especially when the law breaker wears a badge and carries a gun!

Add your comment

Your name:
Your email:
Subject:
Comment:
Word verification:
	Post Preview