Woodlynne mayor responds after alleged 'unjustified' use of force caught on bodycam
WOODLYNNE, New Jersey (WPVI) -- The Mayor of Woodlynne, Camden County spoke Friday after body camera video showed a police officer allegedly using pepper spray in an unjust manner.
The video shows several officers talking to the group on a porch in Woodlynne, saying they received a complaint about trespassing from a property owner, and they ask the people on the porch for their names. Many of them refuse.
After about two minutes, an officer tells a young man who is sitting on the porch looking at his phone to put his hands behind his back, as the young man says he's texting his brother.
Several moments later, the officer deploys pepper spray at the young man, and then sprays the group of people on the porch. The officer then chases another person to the corner as he deploys the spray.
Prosecutors say the camera was worn by Woodlynne officer Ryan Dubiel last Thursday.
Prosecutors say this use of force was not justified and announced two counts of simple assault against Dubiel.
Mayor Joseph Chukwueke said the incident was uncalled for and said the town will continue to cooperate with the investigation.
"The conduct is incredibly troubling and of significant concern to us - all the council members, myself and the residents of Woodlynn," he said.
Dubiel is now suspended from the Woodlynne Police Department without pay. The prosecutor says the 31-year-old has worked for nine police departments.
