Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom held a media conference to show officer body camera video from Friday’s incident on the city’s southeast side.
A portion of that incident recorded by witnesses was released on social media.
The chief says the police body camera recording provides context.
“Back up now or you’re going to jail!”
Police received a report of an armed man entering a drugstore on Kalamazoo Avenue.
When they arrived, a young man was openly carrying two weapons.
“He came out with an AR15 around his neck. He has a 9-millimeter handgun on his hip. From an outside perspective, you could look at it as a potential active shooter situation, a mass casualty incident.”
The armed man cooperated with police who learned he was legally licensed to carry in public, and no charges were filed.
Meanwhile, as officers worked to secure the area, some onlookers are seen on video arguing with police, refusing to move back when told multiple times.
“You’re in the back stop ma'am. Ok we need to get you to move back because you’re in the background of a potentially bad situation.”
Eventually there was a physical confrontation.
Two community leaders were arrested.
The chief explains he knows them and thinks they are good people who made bad decisions that day.
He offers some advice.
“Comply now and complain later. If you believe those instructions were improper, bring it to my attention and we will absolutely address it. But do not - especially when you don’t have the whole context of the situation - do not attempt to interfere at the scene.”
Winstrom added, people do have the legal right to videotape police interactions as long as they are at a safe distance and follow instructions.
