A North Charleston police officer has been disciplined following an internal investigation into his interaction with a teenager at a Circle K gas station. The incident, which took place on July 15 at the gas station located on Rivers Avenue and Otranto Road, led to the officer being suspended, demoted, and removed from his patrol duties.
Details of the Incident
The situation began when the teen was detained after complaints were made about him selling Palmetto roses outside the gas station. Upon investigation, officers found several roses stuck into a case of water in front of the store, causing damage to the plastic carrier. This prompted the initial complaint from the store manager, who was later identified as the person who reported the incident.
The interaction between the officer and the teen gained significant attention when a video of the conclusion of the incident was shared on social media, quickly spreading across the internet and catching the attention of hundreds of thousands of viewers.
Internal Investigation and Consequences
Following the incident, the North Charleston Police Department conducted an internal investigation into the officer’s conduct. The investigation revealed that the officer had violated two department policies and procedures during the interaction. As a result, he was suspended, demoted, and removed from his regular patrol duties.
The store manager, who had initially decided to press charges for the damage to the water bottle case, later chose not to pursue legal action.
Statement from North Charleston Police Department
The North Charleston Police Department released a statement addressing the incident, emphasizing that the officer’s behavior was not in line with the department’s values or culture. They reaffirmed their commitment to professionalism, transparency, and accountability in their operations.
“We do not and will not tolerate behavior that undermines the trust we have worked diligently to build with our community,” the statement said. The department also expressed regret that the officer’s conduct “undermines the good work our officers perform every day,” which includes efforts to mentor youth, save lives, and apprehend violent offenders.
The department pledged to continue working with the community to build a safer and stronger North Charleston and to uphold the highest standards of conduct.
Conclusion and Next Steps
As part of the investigation, the officer was placed on leave until the matter was resolved. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining trust and professionalism between law enforcement and the community, especially in interactions with young people. The department remains focused on building positive relationships within North Charleston while ensuring accountability within its ranks.
