Video Of Police Confrontation With Teen Raises Community Concerns

Winston-Salem Police Chief Catrina Thompson addressed concerns Sunday after the detainment of a teenage girl was captured on video. Her comments came after Mayor Allen Joines questioned the propriety of the officer's action and community groups demanded answers. 

Thompson said an internal department investigation of the incident began last week but no formal complaint has been made by the girl's parents. She identified the officers as Zacharie Jones.

She said she shares the community's concern about the incident and asked for patience as the investigation continues.

On Nov. 8, police took a group of teens downtown to be interviewed after a confrontation with officers during an investigation of a house break-in on Hartford Street in the Old Town community. The juveniles were all subsequently released.

It wasn't long thereafter that cell phone video made its way to social media. 

Thompson called the incident ugly but said most incidents involving use-of-force are. She took time from the press conference to make a direct statement to the girl's parents, promising them a complete and thorough investigation and that appropriate action would be taken.

Thompson said video from police body-cams would not be released, citing state law that records of a criminal investigation are not public and there are also restrictions for cases involving juveniles.

Editor's note: This article has been updated to include the name of the officer involved.