Police Commissioner Kurt Walton has called for calm following public backlash over the arrest of a 17-year-old driver in a road-rage incident in which a video appears to show another driver, a 72-year-old man, being the aggressor.
The arrest was made following a confrontation during the evening rush hour on Wednesday, 19 Feb., on Rex Crighton Boulevard.
Videos shot by passing motorists, that have been widely shared on social media, appear to indicate the elderly driver of a Tesla Cybertruck opening the driver’s door of the teen’s SUV and confronting the young man, who remained seated in the vehicle. The teenager then appears to defend himself and grabs the man in a headlock.
Police said when officers arrived at the scene, they found the occupants of both vehicles speaking with first responders, and the older driver with facial injuries.
Officers arrested the teenager on suspicion of assault causing actual bodily harm “as a result of the facial injuries sustained by the other driver”, the RCIPS said at the time.
The older driver was warned for intended prosecution for the offence of common assault, which police said was “not an arrestable offence”.
Public concern
In a statement released Saturday morning, Walton said police understood the concerns raised within the community over the incident.
“We want to reassure the public that this matter is under active investigation and we are working diligently to ensure a thorough process,” he said.
“Our officers are gathering evidence and statements from all parties involved to ensure a comprehensive investigation. While we appreciate the public’s concern, we urge everyone to allow the investigation to unfold without jumping to conclusions based on partial information.”
In comments online, police have been accused of acting unfairly in arresting the teenager, but not arresting the older driver.
“We recognise that emotions are high and that some members of the public have expressed concerns about fairness and justice in this matter,” Walton said. “However, we want to assure the community that the RCIPS acts without bias and remains committed to upholding the rights of all individuals: victims, suspects, and witnesses alike.”
He said the arrest of the juvenile “was made in accordance with the law and followed a careful assessment of the available evidence” and that “Regardless of age, background, or public perception, our primary duty is to uphold justice, protect the rights of all involved, and ensure that due process is followed.”
Walton acknowledged that footage of the altercation had been shared widely online, but said for any such video to be legally admissible, its origin and authenticity had to be verified, and he urged anyone who shot the original footage to submit it directly to the RCIPS.
He added, “The RCIPS does not take arrests lightly, especially when juveniles are involved. Every arrest is based on evidence and legal grounds. In this case, the officers acted within the law based on the information that was readily available to them at the time and followed the appropriate procedures.”
He asked for the cooperation of the public “to ensure the investigation proceeds without disruption”.
“The RCIPS remains committed to serving and protecting our community,” he added. “We ask for the public’s trust as we carry out our duty. We will provide updates as appropriate. We urge the community to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and work with the police to ensure a lawful resolution to this matter.”
Police are urging anyone with relevant information regarding the incident, who witnessed the altercation or who has relevant video footage, to submit it through the following channels:
- In person at the Bodden Town Police Station, with attention to Inspector Kevin Bogle, who is charge of Eastern Districts policing, and is leading his investigation, overseen by Superintendent Richard Barrow. Alternatively, call the Bodden Town Station on 927-2220
- Online via the RCIPS website: rcips.ky/submit-a-tip.
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