Disabled resident claims Richmond deputy slammed him to the ground
RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - The Richmond Sheriff's Office confirms they are launching an investigation into allegations that an off-duty deputy used excessive force at a Richmond assisted living facility.
The formal complaint filed by a resident at Shockoe Hill Apartments claims the deputy "viciously jerked" a disabled resident and dropped the man on the ground.
"Charles did not deserve to be treated in such a way, especially as a disabled person," said Darryl Autry.
Autry is talking about his good friend, Charles Robinson. The two often take walks around the Shockoe Hill assisted living facility. They've now filed a complaint with the Richmond City Jail claiming an off-duty deputy did the unthinkable.
"What he did to him was unconscionable," said Autry. "I can't stand for it."
Autry claims the deputy used his car to block the handicapped-accessible entrance to the facility he's supposed to be securing.
"I don't understand where he was coming from, why he refused at first to move the car at all, and then he told me the owner told him to put it there. That does not make any sense, blocking handicapped access," said Autry.
Autry says things escalated when Charles spoke up for his friend, who has trouble getting around.
"All of a sudden, he jumped out of his car and ran over to Charles, picked him up by his collar up off the ground and then slammed his back down."
Robinson is 52 years old. He says he was sitting on a brick wall when he was thrown to the ground. He also points out - cameras were rolling the entire time."
"It shocked me so bad," said Robinson. "I'm still shaken up. I couldn't sleep for the last couple of days."
Robinson says there were multiple witnesses outside.
"I couldn't believe it. Out in front of all these witnesses and the camera. What was he thinking?" said Robinson.
Robinson says he wants justice.
"It was horrifying to see an officer of the law doing something like that," said Autry. "Horrifying!"
"We have it on video camera," said Robinson.
Video these friends hope will prove what they call a clear case of abuse.
The sheriff's office released the following statement:
We did receive a formal inquiry and the matter is currently under investigation. We will certainly follow where the evidence and facts lead us.
Tony Pham
Richmond City Sheriff's Office
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