The Redding Police Department is investigating an incident captured on video that shows the arrest of a man by multiple Redding police officers. The video has been circulating on social media and has raised concerns about the use of force used by the officers. The police chief, Bill Schueller, has commented on the video, saying that some of the force used is concerning and may not meet the department’s standards for training and conduct.
The incident in the video took place on January 23, according to the Redding Police Department. The man in the video, Kevin Donald Hursey, was reported to be attempting to enter parked vehicles in a hospice care facility parking lot. When staff confronted Hursey, he tried to pull something out of his pocket and was uncooperative with the officers who responded to the scene. Hursey was reportedly under the influence of a controlled substance and appeared to be trying to retrieve a weapon. Despite attempts by the officers to de-escalate the situation, additional officers were called and a less lethal bean bag round and police K-9 were used. Hursey was eventually taken into custody after a significant struggle.
The video ends with one officer stepping on Hursey’s head, an action that the police chief described as “forceful.” The officer in question has been placed on paid administrative leave and an investigation into their actions has been launched. The chief has also requested a separate, independent criminal investigation by the Anderson Police Department and notified the Shasta County District Attorney. Hursey sustained minor to moderate injuries during the arrest and was booked on several charges after receiving medical treatment.
The police chief stated that all officers receive advanced training in de-escalation, crisis intervention, less lethal tactics, defensive tactics, and force options. He added that any allegations of excessive force will be thoroughly investigated and that officers can face discipline, including termination, as well as criminal penalties. The department will begin a trial run of body-worn cameras on January 31.