In a video circulating online, an argument between customers at the Aldi grocery store at 1311 Franklin Ave. E. in Minneapolis appeared to escalate when a police officer intervened.
As of Saturday morning, a video of the incident posted by Instagram user farahleft had more than 100,000 views.
According to the Minneapolis Police Department, 64-year-old Black man Troy Lee Billups was arrested and booked for obstructing legal process with force by officer Cristopher Lange at around 6 p.m. Dec. 1.
“This matter has been referred to the Office of Police Conduct Review for evaluation,” said police. “Department policy and training continues to emphasize the importance of de-escalation efforts to stabilize and resolve situations when safe and feasible.”
The video appears to begin with officer Lange between a man who identified himself as Billups and a young couple near the store’s checkout line.
WARNING: EXPLICIT CONTENT
The man who said he is Billups is heard saying “don’t put your hands on me.”
“Okay, you’re out,” the officer responds, grabbing the man by the collar of his jacket and swinging him towards the store’s windows.
“You’re supposed to de-escalate! How is this deescalating?” someone can be heard saying off-camera.
Lange eventually tumbled to the floor with Billups as he apparently attempted to arrest him.
“Why is he under arrest?” asked the off-camera voice. “If they don’t kiss the ring, they’re arrested.”
More than one person seemed to be filming the incident.
After the scuffle on the floor, Lange asked Billups to come outside.
Billups said that he had not been fighting inside the store – merely talking – and that Lange should not have put his hands on him.
“No one pushed anything until you pushed them,” said the off-camera voice.
Lange proceeded to put Billups in handcuffs.
According to reports, court records show Billups was released from custody Thursday without bond. A pre-trial scheduled for Jan. 5 was canceled and the case has been dismissed.
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