A Delaware state trooper has been suspended following allegations of assaulting a 15-year-old boy who participated in the ding-dong-ditch game at the officer's home.
The suspension came after officials reviewed the bodycam video of the incident.
On Monday, a group of teenagers, including the 15-year-old boy, engaged in the popular children's prank known as ding-dong-ditch in Wilmington, Delaware. The game involves ringing the doorbell of a home and running away before the occupants can answer the door.
Unfortunately, the teens chose the wrong house to play their prank on, as it belonged to a Delaware state trooper. The trooper and his partner allegedly pursued the teenagers and confronted them approximately 45 minutes after the prank.
According to the family's attorney, Samuel Davis, the state trooper pulled up behind the teens in his police cruiser with the lights activated. He then reportedly ordered the boys to lie down on the ground.
The family of the 15-year-old boy, identified only as "Jayden," has accused the officer of police brutality. According to USA Today, Jayden was eventually hospitalized with a broken orbital bone and a concussion. The trooper allegedly handcuffed him and pushed him face down on the concrete, placing his knee on the teen's neck.
The family's lawyer further alleges that the trooper handcuffed Jayden, placed him in the back of the cruiser, and used one hand to shine a light in the boy's eyes while striking him with a punch.
The teenagers were taken to a parking lot of a hardware store, where another state trooper reportedly advised that they be taken to the hospital due to their injuries.
The family has requested access to the police bodycam video and dashboard cam footage of the incident. They are seeking the truth and accountability for the trooper's actions.
Jayden's aunt took to Facebook, claiming that the state troopers arrested her nephew's friends and subjected Jayden to a severe beating. She alleged that the troopers nearly killed the 15-year-old boy. Photos posted on Facebook show Jayden with a bloodied and swollen face, along with a concussion, bruises, and a broken orbital bone that will require surgery.
The Delaware State Police stated, "Additionally, we are also investigating whether or not there was any failure to intervene by other DSP personnel who were present at the time of the incident. We assure you that a comprehensive investigation is underway and we are examining all available evidence. At our core, the Delaware State Police values our community's trust and we will provide additional details as we are able," after reviewing the bodycam footage, according to WDEL.
The Department of Justice Office of Professional Responsibility is conducting an investigation into the alleged incident and has suspended the officer involved, although they did not disclose the officer's name.
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