Rock Hill Police Investigate Use of Force Incident at Grocery Store Following Man’s Injuries

Rock Hill Police Review Use of Force Incident at Local Grocery Store

Rock Hill, SC – The Rock Hill Police Department has initiated an internal review and placed an officer on administrative leave following an incident that occurred on December 6, 2024, which resulted in a man sustaining lacerations before being taken into custody. The incident, classified as a “use of force” situation, unfolded around 6 p.m. outside a Publix grocery store located on Cherry Road.

What Happened?

According to a statement released by the police, the situation began when Publix store management called the police concerning a suspicious male whom they wanted to be issued a trespass notice. The responding officer spoke with store management and subsequently encountered the man outside the store. After assessing the situation, the officer decided to take the man into custody. This decision led to a physical altercation between the officer and the male subject.

During the struggle, video footage has surfaced showing the male officer appearing to strike the man while they were on the ground. The incident escalated when two additional officers arrived on the scene to assist in the arrest. The man involved reportedly suffered lacerations during the encounter, prompting police to transport him to Piedmont Medical Center for treatment. After receiving medical attention, the man was cleared for release back into police custody.

Who is Involved?

At this time, the identities of both the officer involved in the incident and the man who was taken into custody have not been disclosed publicly. The police department has stated that the internal review aims to determine the appropriateness of the actions taken during this incident.

Community Response

Josh Kendrick, a lawyer from Greenville representing the man’s family, expressed his concerns regarding the level of force used during the incident. Kendrick mentioned that he has seen the video and is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the event. He aims to gather more information to ascertain whether the actions of the police officers were justified.

Police Statement

The Rock Hill Police Department provided a detailed account of the incident in their official statement: “On December 6, 2024, at 5:58 p.m., Rock Hill Police were called to Publix, 2186 Cherry Road, for a suspicious male subject that management wished to be placed on Trespass Notice. An officer arrived on scene and after meeting with management, encountered the male outside the store. During the encounter, the officer decided to take the male into custody. This began a Use of Force incident between the officer and the male subject. After two additional officers arrived, the male was taken into custody. The male received lacerations during the incident and was transported to Piedmont Medical Center where he was treated and released into police custody. The Use of Force during the incident initiated an Internal Review. The primary officer involved has been on Administrative Leave while the review is conducted.”

Next Steps

The use of force incidents are a critical issue for law enforcement agencies across the country. With increased scrutiny on police actions, the Rock Hill Police Department’s internal review will play an important role in assessing the conduct of the officers involved. Stakeholders, including community members and legal representatives, are closely monitoring the situation as the circumstances unfold.

As of now, further details regarding the internal review process and any potential consequences for the officer involved have yet to be announced. The police department has stated they are committed to transparency as they address this matter.