Residents call for better police-community relations in Lower Merion Twp.

ARDMORE, Pa. (WPVI) -- African Americans residents, currently and formerly of Lower Merion Township, took the microphone and voiced their frustration before township commissioners during a meeting on Wednesday night.

"Are you willing to do something, taking action as the leader of the force? Are willing to lead and step outside of the box?" asked Manuel Howard.

Last Monday Nathaniel Williams was waiting at bus stop, headed to the doctor, when he was surrounded by police, told to kneel down and handcuffed.

Police were looking for a suspect in a TD Bank robbery, two blocks away, described as a 40-50-something black male wearing a brown hoodie and carrying a bag.

Williams fit the description, police said.

After 10 minutes, he was let go.

"I didn't do the robbery. I just happened to fit the description," said Williams.

Police Superintendent Mike McGrath said an investigation is underway.

"This community can take to the bank that this police department is trying the best we can to improve that relationship," said McGrath.

For many in attendance, what happened to Williams was just another incident in a pattern of profiling.

In January, two black teens were out shoveling snow when they were stopped, told to sit in the snow and questioned. Police said that happened because there's an ordinance against door-to-door solicitation.

"It's important for all of us in this community to work together, to have conversations, explain what you feel, what your issues are and make sure you get back responses," said McGrath.

So what happens next?

The police and community relations committee, made up of church leaders and other residents, will meet McGrath next week.

Other residents are calling for police to start wearing body cams.