WNYT Staff
Updated: July 08, 2020 09:19 PM
Created: July 08, 2020 06:34 PM
Schenectady police released body cam video Wednesday of a recent controversial arrest that led to a protest outside police headquarters.
Police also identified the officer involved as Brian Pommer, a seven-year veteran of the police department.
Schenectady Patrolman Brian Pommer is seen arresting Yugeshwar Gaindarpersaud in video shot by Gaindarpersaud's father. | File
Cellphone video circulating online appeared to show Pommer putting his knee on the face and neck of Gaindarpersaud.
Chief Eric Clifford says Gaindarpersaud's breathing and blood circulation were never impaired while the officer was on top of him.
Mayor Gary McCarthy, Clifford, and other police leaders gathered Wednesday afternoon with leaders from the Schenectady NAACP, a member of the Civilian Police Review Board, and city council members. The group viewed and discussed the body camera footage.
The police department's Office of Professional Standards and the District Attorney's Office are conducting a full review of the incident. Pommer is working desk duty during the review process.
You can watch the videos below.
Warning: Strong language
Body cam video of Yugeshwar Gaindarpersaud arrest
More body cam angles of Yugeshwar Gaindarpersaud arrest
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