DC Police union says officers were injured while delayed from putting on riot gear
WASHINGTON (ABC7) — The DC Police Union complaint officials delayed allowing officers handling the disturbance at the 4th district station this week to change into riot gear and it resulted in injuries to officers that might have been prevented.
The protests outside the station began Wednesday after Karon Hylton, a moped rider, died from injuries he suffered following a police pursuit last weekend.
Violent demonstrations break out over the death of Karon Hylton
His family and friends went to the 4th District station on Wednesday in a protest that dissolved into protesters breaking windows and throwing object at police. The following night a similar scene with fireworks shot at officers and over the two nights nearly 20 officers taken to hospitals.
Police release video of chase, collision in moped incident that left DC man dead (GRAPHIC)
The union blames the Policing Reform Bill the DC Council passed last summer with provisions discouraging the wearing of riot gear at demonstrations.
As about the controversy, MPD Chief Peter Newsham seemed unaware of the complaints about a delay, but added, “Don’t for one moment think that that equipment is 100% protection against being hit with a brick. You can still be seriously injured and that’s why I urge people to be peaceful.”
