ALLENTOWN, Pa - In a press release on Tuesday, the Allentown Police Department stated they are aware of a video on social media showing an incident of force involving an officer and a female suspect.
According to police, the incident occurred on December 23, 2023, shortly before 2:00 am outside a licensed liquor establishment.
Police say that at approximately 1:30 am, officers responded to a 9-1-1 call from bar staff reporting that two underage females were causing a disturbance outside after being removed from the bar for creating a commotion inside.
Officers spoke with the bar owner, informed the females that they were not permitted on the property, and advised them to wait down the block for their ride-share service. Both initially complied, and officers left the area, police say.
Shortly after, the officer in the video returned and observed the females back at the front entrance.
Despite multiple instructions to leave, the females refused and displayed signs of impairment, according to the press release. The officer attempted to persuade them to comply but ultimately initiated an arrest after repeated verbal warnings were ignored. During the arrest, the females resisted, leading to the use of force to take them into custody, according to police.
Both individuals were charged with simple assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness, and underage drinking. In 2024, both entered Lehigh County’s ARD program.
As with all use of force incidents, this case was reviewed by the Allentown Police Department’s Use of Force Review Committee.
The committee determined that the level of force used was justified based on department policies and the circumstances of the arrest, according to the press release.
Police say they recognize that social media clips may not always provide a full and accurate account of events. The officer’s body-worn camera footage captured the entire interaction, offering a more complete perspective.
Police say there will be no further comment on this incident.
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