On January 22, 2008 at approximately 8:20 p.m., a Racine Police Officer in a marked patrol car initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle near the 1200 block of Summit for no front license plate and well as obstructed vision of the driver. The suspect vehicle pulled over momentarily, and then continued on down the road for another 100 feet before stopping. The officer made contact with the operator of the vehicle and requested a driver's license. The operator (Bilal M. Gilleylen) pulled out his wallet and a clear plastic baggie from his rear pants pocket. Gilleylen behavior became increasing suspicious and the Officer asked Gilleylen to exit the vehicle.
Gilleylen started to exit the vehicle and then he made a quick movement to get back into the vehicle. The officer believed from his training and experience that Gilleylen may be reaching for a weapon. The Officer then drew his service weapon and ordered Gilleylen to place his hands on the steering wheel. Gilleylen did place his hands back on the steering wheel and the Officer holstered his weapon. Gilleylen was again directed to exit the vehicle.
Gilleylen again began to exit the vehicle but made another strong movement towards the center of the bench seat with his right hand. The officer and another back up officer then grabbed Gilleylen and attempted to pull him from the vehicle. Gilleylen continually struggled to remain in the vehicle and reach into the center of the bucket seat area.
The officers were successful in pulling Gilleylen out of the vehicle. Gilleylen continued to fight with the officers. During the fight, Gilleylen made an attempt to grab at the officer's gun. During this ongoing fight, officers used several physical arrest techniques and a taser to subdue the uncontrollable Gilleylen.
Officers located 21 individually packaged "rocks" of cocaine at the scene. Gilleylen was taken to the hospital to receive treatment for injuries to his face. Gilleylen was then taken to the Racine County Jail on charges of Possession of Cocaine with intent to Deliver, Attempting to Disarm a Police Officer, Obstructing an Officer, a Probation Hold, and several traffic citations.
An internal investigation is being conducted on this incident to ensure that proper police tactics were applied.
Question: All city police cars have a built-in video camera that are activated when the emergency lights go on. Is there video tape of the arrest? Will the department release the tape?
Update: The JT is all over this story. At least three reporters and a photographer are working on the alleged assault, and we're certain to have multiple pictures from a 1:30 p.m. court hearing today.
Still no word from the police department on the incident. We talked to Todd Hoover, the head of the police union, but he wasn't working yesterday and couldn't comment on the incident. We have yet to hear from higher-ups at RPD, who are likely working to control fallout from the JT's reporting.
It's a tough call on the story. The JT obviously ran with the witness reports early, and it's border-line irresponsible to print such a sensational story without police comment. But if the department is unwilling to make a statement - as they often are - then there's little media can do but run the story and flush out the truth.
What's interesting is how little attention the newspaper gives to claims against the police department - except when they fall into their laps.
Original post:
The Racine Police Department has yet to respond to today's front-page JT story alleging police brutality.
The newspaper alleges in a shocking 1A story that police officers stopped a car in the 1200 block of Summit Avenue, pulled the suspect out of the car and tased, punched and kicked him. The paper also says the officers used pepper spray and batons to subdue the suspect.
The story is based on witnesses who called the newspaper after 9 p.m. Police supervisors did not comment on the incident Tuesday night.
RacinePost called police this morning, but we've yet to hear a response. A shift commander referred comment to the public information officer, who is in a management meeting this morning.
Developing...
Was JT wise in printing this story without the other side available? Everyone is going to be in an uproar over this. I believe they should have waited for both sides.
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