Peekskill police chief tries to reduce tension over viral video of violent arrest
In brief testimony Monday before the Peekskill City Council, Chief Renwick subtly asked that officers refrain from sharing their assumptions about the incident by the gazebo.
Just a day into his new job, Peekskill Police Chief Adam Renwick is trying to calm down the community — and his own officers — regarding the viral video of a Peekskill officer tasing and kicking a man on the ground at Riverfront Green Park.
In brief testimony Monday before the Peekskill City Council Chief Renwick subtly asked that officers refrain from sharing their assumptions about the incident by the gazebo.
"I will hold our entire department including myself to the highest standards of conduct," Renwick said.
The Peekskill Police Benevolent Association, the union for the department's officers, said through its attorney that the officer was called to the gazebo Wednesday Dec. 3 to find Damar Fields, 42, with his pants down and that he refused to follow the officer's commands.
The officer tased and kicked Fields as he tried to force Fields to lay face down.
The PBA's attorney wrote in a statement that the officer used the necessary level of force until backup arrived.
Chief Renwick, who just took office this week after the retirement of Chief Leo Dyleski, addressed those assumptions.
"I caution our officers and the community about drawing conclusions from a limited pool of information," he said.
Fields' family and friends said he often stays at local shelters including the Jan Peek House, which is a short walk from the gazebo.
Fields has struggled with mental illness and has interacted with local police many times.
Cynthia Knox, CEO of Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill, which oversees the shelter.
Knox said the shelter staff and residents have worked well with police in recent years and have built up trust.
"If we have an incident in the community that breaks down that trust," she began, "then our job is to bring the community together and try to rebuild trust and make sure people's human dignity is upheld."
The officer first seen in the video is on administrative leave while the Westchester District Attorney's office investigates the incident.
Fields's family is promising legal action against the city.
Local activists and residents of the Jan Peek House are planning to protest this Saturday at the gazebo.
Chief Renwick said charges stemming from the incident will be filed Thursday with Peekskill City Court.
