ACLU Demands Release of Body Camera Footage in Police Shooting

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A police officer's body camera symbolizes the call for transparency in investigations.

News Summary

The ACLU of Rhode Island is pressuring the Attorney General to release all body camera footage related to the police shooting of Sebastian Yidana, a mentally disabled man. The incident raises concerns about transparency and accountability in the Pawtucket Police Department. Limited footage has been released, and advocates are calling for thorough investigations and police reform to prevent future incidents involving individuals with special needs.

Pawtucket, Rhode Island – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Rhode Island is urging Attorney General Peter F. Neronha to release all body-worn camera videos related to the police shooting of a mentally disabled man, Sebastian Yidana. The incident occurred on June 8, when Yidana, 28, was shot and wounded by Pawtucket Police Officer Thomas Letourneau while he was holding a toy gun outside his apartment building.

So far, the Pawtucket Police Department has only released a redacted clip of Officer Letourneau’s body-worn camera footage, which fails to provide a comprehensive look at the shooting event. Additionally, the city has not provided a full statement from Letourneau on the incident, as he did not document a report regarding the shooting.

Steven Brown, executive director of the ACLU of Rhode Island, criticized the police department’s actions, describing them as a “clear lack of transparency.” The ACLU’s letter to Neronha also calls for an investigation into the alleged failures of the Pawtucket Police Department to comply with established protocols concerning the use of force.

A city spokesman has claimed that all relevant body-worn camera footage has been released. However, the limited information available has drawn scrutiny from community advocates and Yidana’s family, who are emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.

The shooting incident unfolded shortly after 10:30 a.m. when dispatchers received multiple calls reporting a man with what appeared to be an airsoft gun. Officer Letourneau reportedly fired his weapon within seconds of arriving at the scene, striking Yidana in the shoulder. This shooting is part of a troubling trend, as historical data shows that Pawtucket police have been involved in several shooting investigations over the past two decades, all of which have been determined to be justified.

Background on the Incident

In the case of Yidana, he was known to have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia—conditions that law enforcement had previously recognized due to prior encounters. Surveillance footage released by the city indicates that the officer fired shots at a wide intersection, with bullets hitting Yidana, a parked vehicle, and another building in the vicinity.

Following the shooting, Yidana remained hospitalized for an undisclosed duration, with limited visitation permitted by his family due to the mother’s power of attorney. Initially, the family was not aware of the extent of his injuries or circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Community Response

State Representative Cherie Cruz and other family advocates have raised concerns about the necessity of using lethal force against an individual armed with a toy gun. The mayor of Pawtucket acknowledged the situation as serious and unfortunate, reiterating a commitment to transparency and collaborative investigations.

Community advocates are increasingly worried about the police’s capability to handle interactions with individuals who have special needs and are calling for police reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future. Black Lives Matter Rhode Island has also joined Yidana’s family in advocating for accountability, highlighting issues of racial profiling and excessive force in police encounters.

The ACLU of Rhode Island has pointed out the police department’s history of limited transparency, particularly in relation to previous incidents involving excessive use of force. As pressure mounts for a response, the community continues to demand answers and reforms to ensure that such outcomes are addressed appropriately.