Residents raise concerns at city council meeting after viral arrest video involving police officer
By Bethany Cates
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GREENSBORO (WXII) — Steps are being taken to release the body cam footage related to the arrest of a man by a Greensboro police officer.
The 25-second video shared on social media shows the officer striking Nathaniel Williams. Greensboro Police Chief John Thompson said the officer was using a standard technique taught in training, called a suprascapular strike to the shoulder area. Williams told WXII 12 News he was hit in the head and feels he was targeted. The Greensboro Police Department also said Williams was resisting arrest. Thompson said he would file a petition so that he can release the video to show the arrest.
As Greensboro City Council members took their seats Monday for one of their last meetings before the new council is sworn in, they were faced with questions from the community about holding law enforcement accountable.
“What gives you the right, what gives you the right to behave this way?” said a community member.
Several people spoke at public comment Monday to let the city council know they want to see a change in how Greensboro police officers use force.
“In this particular case, from what I have seen, it was used to stun that nerve. What you do is when you stun that nerve, it kind of incapacitates that arm temporarily, allowing officers to gain control of that arm,” Thompson said at Thursday’s press conference.
Community members said they want to know more about what led up to the response and they’re calling on city leaders for answers.
“It is a culture of policing that has deep roots in this city’s history that gives you the right; it is the habitual and perpetual failure of the city council and the council’s past,” said a community member.
Council members said they are also working to get answers.
“If he approves the petition, it will go on to superior court hopefully, it will be on the docket by next Monday, but that is completely up to the superior court,” said the city attorney.
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