Community demands answers after Norristown officer strikes man with patrol vehicle

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) -- Norristown residents pressed local officials for answers Thursday night, one day after investigators say a police officer struck a naked man with a patrol vehicle near Stanbridge and West Airy Streets.

Police Chief Michael Trail told attendees he could not discuss the ongoing investigation, but he and council members held the community meeting to hear concerns. Many residents expressed anger and frustration over the incident.

"What happened in the streets of Norristown should have never happened," said Scott Dorsey, a pastor at Macedonia Ministries.

Cellphone video shows officers standing nearby before a patrol vehicle slammed into the man. Then the officer ran over to detain him, and he received medical treatment.

READ MORE | Officer on leave after video shows naked man being hit by police vehicle

Officer on leave after video shows naked man being hit by police vehicle

"You could hear the kid get hit. Boom," said Tina, who witnessed the incident.

Trail said the man had been screaming, hitting vehicles, and blocking traffic. He said the officer has been placed on paid administrative leave.

Tina said she believes stronger action is needed. "I feel like that cop needs to be fired. They shouldn't have them like that running around. They're here to serve and protect us."

Another resident, Juanita Uribe, called for broader accountability. "I want to see the other police officers involved in this investigated, and I want them to say it was absolutely despicable what happened."

Community members also questioned the department's procedures for handling different types of crises.

"We need to look at what our current policy is and change whatever needs to be done so this doesn't happen again," Dorsey said.

Trail told residents the department is in the process of hiring a co-responder to assist officers during mental health-related calls. He emphasized his commitment to rebuilding trust.

"Several months ago, I said this is a partnership between police and community, and I said we will be held accountable when we make mistakes," Trail said.

Dorsey said the community intends to ensure that accountability continues.

"If those things aren't done and those police officers are not made accountable, then the trust, the transparency, the truth is going to be even more separated than it is now," he said.

Montgomery County detectives are investigating. As for the man's condition, they say he is alive.