caphillarrest.jpg
Police arrest a demonstrator during an early morning confrontation Sunday on Capitol Hill. (Photo courtesy Capitol Hill Seattle blog)

SPD to probe Capitol Hill gay pride pepper spray incident

BY Josh Kerns  on June 26, 2012 @ 5:45 am (Updated: 2:26 pm - 6/26/12 )

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The Seattle Police Department confirms it has launched an investigation into the handling of a late night conflict with demonstrators on Capitol Hill that led to the deployment of pepper spray and six arrests.

The incident happened early Sunday morning as hundreds of revelers took to the streets for what was billed as a dance party and protest.

Initial police reports said officers were forced to use pepper spray because some in the crowd were threatening property destruction and refused orders to clear the streets. One demonstrator reportedly kicked a police commander in the knee.

But a video released on You Tube seems to contradict the account. While the commander identified as Lt. Greg Calder claimed he was assaulted, the video shows him spraying one of those arrested from the street while the other man stands on the sidewalk some distance from the officer.

The video identifies Calder as a leader of Seattle's 20/20 plan for reforms in the wake of DOJ findings of a pattern of excessive force.

The commander of Capitol Hill's East Precinct is defending Calder's actions, and the response of other officers who moved firmly to control the crowd.

"We have the responsibility to ensure the peace on both sides," Capt. Ron Wilson told the Capitol Hill Seattle blog.

Wilson said police made a number of observations that the situation was about to turn violent, including hearing some in the crowd advocating property destruction as they weaved through the streets.

"So it was at that point, given all that discussion about breaking windows, the masking up, it's time to say, 'OK, we're going to contain this better by moving them out of the street, onto the sidewalk,'" Wilson said.

He also disputed charges officers were "gay bashing," pointing out no steps were taken to end any of the late night revelry.

"We didn't stop the people," Wilson told CHS. "That I think really has to be laid out. We didn't put an end to their march. All we told them to do was to get out of the street. And most everyone complied."

Josh Kerns, MyNorthwest.com Reporter
Josh Kerns is co-host of KIRO Radio's Seattle Sounds (Saturday nights 7-8) and a digital content producer for MyNorthwest.com.
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Comments (48)


  • Add A Comment

  • 333 wrote...
    really?
    June 26, 2012 7:14 am
    This video was edited like a bad political ad, shame on you MNW.com for not presenting any balance. Yes, he was not kicked during the 4 seconds the tape was on him. Where's the rest? Who shot the tape? Was it edited? by whom? I mean really? has anyone bothered to read the actual police report? Now we don't want our cops using pepper spray??? my god!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • NWGUY wrote...
    seriously..
    June 26, 2012 8:15 am
    the video is unfocused, shakey and unusable up until the Lt sprays the guy on the side walk. It captures that part well. Since it doesn't capture anything well before that point in time, it can't be used to support or condemn the LT. So it is very one sided
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • tlmbrt wrote...
    These "protests"
    June 26, 2012 7:26 am
    are organized for the sole purpose of creating a situation where police have to respond, then filming and selectively editing it to paint them in a negative light (racism or excessive force). Siblings have played this game from the beginning of time: Poke your big brother until he hits you, then go cry to your parents that you are being picked on! Poor innocent me... These anarchists and malcontents have been doing this for years. Their plan is to so demonize authority in the public and media's minds as to render them powerless!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • dquay wrote...
    Shame on MNW!!
    June 26, 2012 8:09 am
    You guys should be ashamed of yourselves for showing this piece of propaganda. I agree 100% with what 333 and tlmbrt wrote in their comments! Also, These punks get what they deserve!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • William P wrote...
    MNW
    June 26, 2012 8:19 am
    leaning a little to the left are you. As fellow commenter's have noted this is a lot of baiting of the cops. There are many instances where a little force is necessary and touchy feely just doesn't get it done.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • HPD 5-0 wrote...
    Like I said before:
    June 26, 2012 8:39 am
    Why would anyone be a LE officer in Seattle? And once again, MYNW.com shows it's true colors; communist red. You have no integrity. Your "reporters" need to go back to journalism school because obviously they slept through most of it.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Rick W7PSK wrote...
    Realy MYNW, you really need to show this
    June 26, 2012 8:55 am
    100% Propaganda piece as a news story. Really. Just rename yourself PRAVDA and get it over with.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • flipper wrote...
    Batter Up!
    June 26, 2012 9:00 am
    If you're in the street, in an unruly crowd, you'd better expect either being cracked by a billy club or sprayed with pepper spray. It's up to the police to keep our streets safe from the idiots of our society. The use of a club or a spray are non-lethal alternatives. Would you prefer rubber bullets? Tear gas bombs?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • maplefish wrote...
    Good!
    June 26, 2012 9:05 am
    Crack their loser, lameass skulls!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Seattle is a cesspool wrote...
    Yup this site is a pathetic turd hole...
    June 26, 2012 9:06 am
    That's why my only reason for posting here is out of pure hilarious enjoyment. One day this site will be gone and I'll move on.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Realist wrote...
    Do us all a favor
    June 26, 2012 9:16 am
    And don't delay. Move on now.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • ElenaT wrote...
    Man
    June 26, 2012 9:22 am
    I like that the public is able to keep the news media on their toes by being able to comment on reports, but holy cow, i wish the public wasn't completely retarded.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }