Alexandria, VA - Surveillance video captured an officer's fight with a suspect as bystanders chose to record rather than help (video below).
The incident happened at around 3 p.m. Friday in the 8200 block of Russel Road, according to Fairfax County PD.
The unidentified officer contacted a man who smelled of marijuana, which gave him reasonable suspicion to detain the man. The officer subsequently asked him to stop.
The man, later identified as 23-year-old Dadrian Jegede, walked away from the officer instead of stopping. As the officer tried to stop him, the suspect pushed the officer and tried to escape.
A struggle ensued, which moved in front of the security camera where the officer could be seen fighting with the suspect for over a minute before backup arrived.
While the officer was fighting the suspect, numerous men came by who all chose to watch or record the struggle instead of helping the officer.
With the help of the second officer, Jegede was taken into custody. He is being charged with assault on a law enforcement officer and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute (dealing drugs).
Jegede was also served with an outstanding arrest warrant out of Prince William County.
Along with the release of the video, Chief Roessler issued a statement saying, "Law enforcement is a rewarding profession but it can be very dangerous at times. Officers often put themselves in harm’s way to protect our community. When we encounter someone who resists a lawful arrest and attacks us, we are concerned for the sanctity of all human life. As a matter of transparency we provide this video to demonstrate the dangers of our profession. My officers were professional at all times to overcome a violent criminal and I stand behind their actions.”
You can see the video of the struggle below:
