Danbury PD Internal Affairs Investigating Library Confrontation

DANBURY, CT — The chief of police has called for an investigation into activity involving several officers who responded to a call from the Danbury Library on Wednesday.

As shown on a video since uploaded to YouTube, a security guard at the library confronted a man recording video footage inside the library, and asked him to stop. When the man refused, the guard called the police.

Two police officers responded, requested that the videographer leave the library, and he again refused, telling the officers he wanted to speak with their supervisor. The police contacted their sergeant, who eventually convinced the man to leave, as shown in the video.

An edited video of the encounter was posted to YouTube, and later in the comments section of the Danbury PD Facebook page on Thursday. (Warning: Graphic language)

In a statement released about three hours after the video was uploaded to the PD's Facebook, Chief Patrick Ridenhour said he had called for an investigation of the encounter in the library by the Danbury PD's Internal Affairs Division.

"While it is fortunate that there were no arrests or injuries I do have significant concerns about the manner in which the incident was handled by the responding officers and supervisor," Ridenhour said. "I am sure these concerns are shared by many in our community."

The video's creator identifies himself as "Long Island Audit." Shortly after Ridenhour released his statement, the YouTuber went live on his channel and read it to his followers.

The investigation "will include, at a minimum, a review of any applicable laws, analysis of the video as well as footage from our recently purchased body cameras, and any other relevant information," Ridenhour said.

In the follow-up video, the producer thanked Chief Ridenhour for his statement, but said he had "already filed an intent to sue with the city."

Ridenhour said this investigation is the department's "top priority at the moment," and following its completion, "we will take the appropriate action based on the findings."