Officers involved in the Wildwood, N.J. beach arrest video of 20-year-old mother Emily Weinman will not face criminal charges, according to the Cape May County Prosecutor’s office.
As the video shows, Weinman was not the most compliant with the arresting officers. Weinman was charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer, aggravated assault by spitting on an officer, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and being a minor in possession of alcohol.
An investigation by the Cape May Prosecutor’s office has deemed that the actions of the arresting officers did not meet the evidentiary standards to warrant criminal charges. This investigation included the review of body camera footage, which called into question the official story that force was justified because Weinman kicked an officer in the groin. The investigation also included a review of footage taken by civilians, interviews, and a review of written arrest reports, summons, and complaints.
“As County Prosecutor, I recognize that the video footage has raised a lot of questions regarding the officers’ actions. A decision such as this is not based on emotion; it is based upon applying the proper laws, policies and directives that govern law enforcement,” Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland said in a statement. “Members of the public should understand that no matter what your opinion is regarding the subject event, it is not based on a full review of the evidence. Ms. Weinman and her attorney are entitled to due process and they have not yet received the information that they will be entitled to as part of the legal process.”
The Wildwood Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit is conducting an administrative investigation, with oversight by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Professional Standards Unit.
[Image via YouTube screengrab]
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