x
Breaking News
More () »

WATCH: Family Claims Police Officer Slapped One Woman, Shoved Others

WILKES-BARRE – A spokesperson said city officials are reviewing cell phone video of a police officer involved in a rowdy encounter with several women in Luzerne...
WILKES-BARRE – A spokesperson said city officials are reviewing cell phone video of a police officer involved in a rowdy encounter with several women in Luzerne County.

Cassie Bidding told Newswatch 16 that the ordeal started around 4 p.m. Tuesday, when police officers questioned her about expired registration and inspection stickers on her car, after she pulled into her mother’s driveway along Chapel Street in Wilkes-Barre.

“Instead of removing the cigarette or asking me to spit the cigarette out, he smacked me with an open hand,” said Bidding. “Yes I was probably being mouthy and I was upset, who wouldn’t be. But to be treated the way I was, no.”

Bidding said one officer questioned her about the expired stickers and her mother’s prescription pills in the car, while another officer said he could smell marijuana.

Her sister Brittany Miller told Newswatch 16 that she and other family members came outside when they heard the commotion.

“Do your job, take it the right way, don`t manhandle a woman,” said Miller.

Miller shared video that she recorded on her cell phone, which she says, shows an officer grabbing and shoving two women out of the way, so Bidding’s car could be towed out of the driveway.

Bidding’s mother told Newswatch 16 that she is sore after the encounter, and she believes the officer crossed the line.

"When he shoved me, he twisted my back out and he hurt me. Then he grabbed my other daughter and my niece who is underage by the way,” said Carol Bidding. "I hope they reprimand him, I really do because people like him shouldn`t be on the force, if he's going to be as forceful as he was with us."

John Anderson told Newswatch 16 that he saw the tail end of the ordeal while trying to drive down Chapel Street.

"It's real wrong. They're supposed to protect and serve and they`re not doing their job,” said Anderson. “They`re living behind a badge and do what they can, whatever they want."

The Bidding family said they have paid $150 to have Cassie’s car removed from impound, and they have filed a formal complaint against the department.

Cassie Bidding said she and two passengers in her car were handcuffed and photographed, but they have not been charged or cited.

The mayor and other city leaders have been notified about the incident and the cell phone video, but no has made any official comment.

Before You Leave, Check This Out