DA refuses to prosecute case against couple in violent confrontation with Albany Police
ALBANY NY (WRGB) - The Albany County District Attorney is calling on a judge to drop all charges against a man and his girlfriend after cell phone video captured their arrest, face down in the street, being handcuffed by Albany police officers two weeks ago.
The Mayor and Police Chief had said the charges would be dropped.
But the two were still due in court today because they had been issued an appearance ticket.
In a letter to the judge, Albany County District Attorney David Soares says he will not prosecute this case.
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He told the judge it was his understanding that after reviewing videos, Mayor Kathy Sheehan and the Chief of Police said they thought officers acted inappropriately.
The march, from court to the DA's office and back to court, happened Tuesday because the two had been issued appearance tickets for arraignment.
A crowd gathered outside Albany City Court for Kimani Addison and Desiree Schuman.
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However, due to COVID-19, there are no in person appearances for out of custody arraignments at this time there. So, like others, they were told their case couldn’t be heard now.
Manetertep El Dey led the march of protesters speaking out about the incident.
“It is one for all, all for one," said El Dey. "Kimani and his girlfriend is a part of this community. The community is a part of the people. The people got business and we are addressing it now."
Back on June 2nd, cell phone video showed Kimani Addison and his girlfriend Desiree Schuman face down in the street being handcuffed by Albany police officers in the city's South End.
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Police say this started when Addison took out his phone to record the way police were interacting with an unrelated person. We spoke with Addison and Schuman the next day.
“They came over, they punched me in the face, they pulled me out my car, they slammed me on the ground, I got tased while I was on my back,” said Addison.
They were charged with various misdemeanor offenses, including inciting to riot and resisting arrest. They were given tickets requiring them to appear in Albany City Court.
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Prior, Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins said there would be a thorough review into the incident.
Tuesday, the mayor’s office told CBS 6 that the city has formally requested the charges be dropped, but that it would also require a motion from the District Attorney. DA Soares told the judge he wants charges dropped and that his office will not prosecute.
