Richlands, VA (WOAY) The Richlands Police Department has issued a public statement addressing a video circulating on social media.
The video shows a Richlands officer removing an individual from a vehicle.
In a statement from the department, police say that the video does not display the incident that led to the arrest.
According to authorities, before the arrest, the individual allegedly made aggressive movements toward the vehicle’s center console.
The department reports that the driver’s behavior resulted in the officer instructing them to exit the vehicle.
The driver allegedly refused to exit the vehicle and resisted when authorities attempted to physically remove them.
The department reports the officer took action to physically remove the driver from the vehicle.
Chief of Police Adam Crouse states that he “will always support our officers when they act lawfully, within their training, and in accordance with department policy.”
The department cited Virginia law to defend the officer’s actions, referencing Va. Code § 18.2-460(A).
The legislation states that a person who knowingly obstructs a law-enforcement officer in the performance of his duties, or refuses without just cause to cease obstruction after being directed to do so, may be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Â
Chief of Police Adam Crouse states, “We remain committed to transparency and accountability. However, we will also make sure our officers are not unfairly judged based on incomplete information.”
