Peekskill Police Department. 

By Ben Crnic From Daily Voice

Days after a cellphone video of a Westchester County arrest drew widespread concern and prompted multiple investigations, a Police Benevolent Association is pushing back against criticism and defending the officer involved, while the department's chief commits to a full investigation. 

In a statement released Monday, Dec. 8, the Peekskill PBA said the officer "used only the force necessary" to make the arrest, which occurred at Peekskill's Riverfront Green Park on Wednesday, Dec. 3, as Daily Voice previously reported. 

The union emphasized that the video, which shows the officer deploying a Taser-type device and shouting commands at an individual during an arrest, does not provide full context.

The clip, which can be viewed by clicking here, spread quickly online and led city officials to say the recording “raised significant concern” and was “troubling,” prompting an immediate review and an independent investigation by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. The involved officer, whose name has not been made public, was placed on administrative leave.

In its new statement, the PBA said the video was circulated “despite knowing nothing about the circumstances of the arrest,” adding that it had been described publicly as “prompting serious concerns in the community” and “hard to watch.” 

According to the union, officers were first called to the gazebo after reports of “frightening behavior.” The PBA said the patrol officer found the man “fully exposed with his pants pulled down” and that he “refused to follow the officers’ legal commands to comply and aggressively approached him making irrational statements.”

The union added that the man was known to officers for “frequent problematic behavior” and appeared to be under the influence of narcotics.

The PBA also said the officer attempted to arrest the man, who then resisted violently and “continued to act irrationally” until several other officers arrived and helped restrain him. 

City officials previously said the incident, including what led up to the arrest, is the focus of a comprehensive review to determine the full context of what happened. All evidence has been forwarded to the DA’s office, and the case will also go before the City of Peekskill Civilian Complaint Review Board.

In its statement, the PBA pushed back against public criticism, saying “individuals who are ignorant to the totality of facts” had accused the officer of misconduct. The union added, “It may be ‘hard to watch’, but it takes force to overcome violence, and bravery to confront danger.”

The organization went on to say it “offers its unequivocable support to the officer involved, and all of the women and men of the Peekskill Police Department.”

Chief Cautions Against Coming To Conclusions 

In a statement on Tuesday evening, Dec. 9, Peekskill Police Chief Adam Renwick explained his decision to refer the incident to the DA's Office. 

"I did this because the video circulating on social media raised legitimate questions about the use of force, and it was essential that all aspects of the incident be investigated fully and impartially," Renwick said, adding, "Our department is fully cooperating with that review and has provided all available evidence, including body-worn camera footage, reports, and witness statements."

Renwick also added he is "committed to a complete and thorough review of all evidence in this case." 

"My promise to our community is simple: I will hold every member of this department—including myself—to the highest standards of conduct, professionalism, and integrity. Accountability is not optional; it is essential to maintaining public trust," Renwick continued on Tuesday.

He also said he agreed with the PBA's call for an independent investigation, but disagreed with making conclusions before the completion of the investigation. 

"I strongly disagree with any suggestion that conclusions can be reached before the investigation is complete. It is critical that our officers understand a policy is in place regarding this type of investigation and it must be followed," Renwick said, adding, "Our entire force will respect and uphold this process until a final determination is made." 

City officials have urged anyone with additional video or eyewitness information to contact Chief Renwick at 914-862-1406 or arenwick@peekskillpolice.com.

This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.