I presented this post on November 14th. Musician loses use of right arm.
This is the video the Portland Police put out to say he was just pulled behind police lines for his safety and was not struck by officers.
The Portland Police Bureau wants to address community concerns about the treatment of Justin Bridges on Sunday November 13, 2011 as officers cleared people out of Chapman Square.
The Police Bureau has released police video of Mr. Bridges being dragged to safety after he apparently fell down in between police, protestors, a trash can, and newspaper boxes. Officers dragged Mr. Bridges away from a very volatile situation as they are trained to do when anyone goes to the ground at the front lines of a protest. As an example, Officer Curtis Brown, who was struck by a projectile early Sunday morning, went to the ground and was almost immediately carried away from the front lines by officers to an awaiting ambulance.
Once safely behind the lines, he was temporarily flex cuffed as officers talked to him. Mr. Bridges let officers know that he had a previous broken back and was having some pain. Officers continued to talk with him as they called for medical personnel to respond. Mr. Bridges was able to stand and walk, with officers assisting, to a nearby park bench where they awaited medical personnel to arrive.
Once an ambulance arrived, Mr. Bridges was placed on a stretcher and transported to the hospital. He was not arrested or cited.
In reviewing Portland Police Bureau video and video taken by people in the crowd, it does not appear that Mr. Bridges was ever struck by officers.
The Police Bureau is releasing this video because of the compelling public interest regarding this incident and as part of its continuing effort to be transparent.
In reviewing Portland Police Bureau video and video taken by people in the crowd, it does not appear that Mr. Bridges was ever struck by officers.
Perhaps the Portland Police should have looked at this video: