Arrest Video Sparks Gary Police Dept.'s Internal Investigation

GARY, IN — The Gary Police Department said they're conducting an internal investigation after a Sept. 1 arrest situation was filmed and publicized, as recorded incidents between law enforcement and citizens continue to be a controversial topic across the country. In the nearly 5-minute video (above) posted to YouTube, two officers, male and female, can be seen asking for the name and identification of the man filming, while also asking him several times to stay put and turn his camera off. As seen and heard in the video, the man claims he was filming on public property and was recording because he wasn't sure what was happening during a nearby investigation.

The Times said that according to court records, the man has been identified as 36-year-old Edward M. Strauss, 36, who didn't file a formal complaint with the Gary Police Department, although people around the country have made their complaints about the incident known, according to Gary Police Commander Jack Hamady.

In the video, the female officer can be heard telling Strauss he can't record her, asking him if he's trying to go to jail. "This is a public street and, by the way, you're live on YouTube right now," Strauss responds.

A third officer arrived and the verbal confrontation continued, before Strauss can be heard being told to get on the ground, where he's handcuffed by police.

According to Hamady, a decision on any disciplinary action will be made after the GPD's internal affairs division completes its investigation.

Image via Shutterstock, video via Nomen Nescio on YouTube