WILDWOOD, NJ (Cape May County) – A Wildwood Police officer has been placed on restricted duty after he apparently was seen on camera punching a Morris County man in the face.
In a statement released by the Wildwood Police Department on Thursday it said, “When this video is viewed, the video is that of an officer utilizing force to overcome force used upon him. Should the investigation reveal that the Officers’ use of force is deemed to have been excessive, then the Officer will be held accountable for his actions. As with any use of force, regardless of the type of force utilized, the use of force is never pretty. We encourage our residents, visitors and anyone who has viewed or may view this video, not to rush to judgment too quickly, either upon the officer or the men and women serving on the Wildwood Police Department. There is a large amount of context that has not been displayed in this eighteen-second video clip and both the officer as well as Mr. Piccolo has the right to due process. We recognize that when this video is viewed by the public that it may be considered to some as disturbing.”
Police Brutality in Wildwood, NJ June 18 – Happy Father's day.
Police Brutality is alive and well! Watch as this unknown Wildwood NJ Police officer is talking to a civilian and then cold cock's him before arresting him for something. The event occurred on Roberts and New Jersey Avenue in Wildwood, New Jersey on June 18. The cop and civilian are both unknown to CAAPS, and the video was submitted by one of our followers. It is a little difficult to see, but here it is in the raw. Anyone with any additional information may contact us so we can look into things further and take action to ensure other members of the public are not subjected to this officer's illegal actions.
Posted by Citizens Against Abusive Power Systems on Monday, June 19, 2017
(Video posted on Citizens Against Abusive Power Systems Facebook page of a Wildwood Police Officer during an encounter with a man he allegedly punched. NOTE: explicit language)
On Saturday at 7:04 p.m., Patrolman Lucas Bottoms was investigating the report of an individual causing a disturbance in the area of Roberts and New Jersey Avenues. The individual was identified as Kevin Piccolo, 55, of Pompton Plains, NJ, police said.
Piccolo was refusing to comply with the Officer commands through both verbal and physical obstruction. He was brought under control only after the officer was forced to escalate his force to that of striking him once, at which time he was taken into custody, police said.
Piccolo was charged with disorderly conduct and third-degree resisting arrest. HE is required to appear in court for his first appearance on July 7, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., police said.
This investigation has been turned over to the Cape May County Prosecutors Office for investigation, as required for any allegation of excessive force by a police officer, police said.
Patrolman Bottoms has been removed from the street and placed into a restricted duty assignment. This assignment will allow him to assist with any walk-in complaints; information requests etc. but this restriction prohibits his having direct contact with any prisoners while in police custody, pending the outcome of this investigation, police said.
“Our police officers are sent out each and every day and perform a heroic job. All too often our officers are placed into tough and dangerous situations because of the nature of the job. As the Chief of Police, it is our policy that officers utilize no more force than reasonably necessary when affecting an arrest.”
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By: Jay Edwards
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(Photo Source: Citizens Against Abusive Power Systems Facebook page)