Bridgewater To Host Community Conversation About Viral Mall Arrest Video

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater Township officials and Black community leaders will be holding an open discussion with residents on Thursday night to discuss a viral video showing Bridgewater Police's handling of a teen mall fight that raised questions of racial disparity.

"We know that many of our residents are concerned about the incident which recently took place at Bridgewater Commons Mall, and though we can’t talk about specifics because of the ongoing investigation, that doesn’t mean that we can’t begin the important job of healing and moving our community forward," said Mayor Matthew Moench.

The Community Conversation is in partnership with Commissioner Director Shanel Robinson.

"As the County Prosecutor’s investigation continues, we as elected officials are limited in what we can discuss regarding the incident itself. However, we can and should talk about the larger issues involved, and the collaboration Somerset County has had with Bridgewater on the Community Police Alliance and on many other fronts," said Commissioner Director Shanel Robinson "We need these conversations between our residents, the Bridgewater Police Department, and community leaders of all types, and I am pleased that the Mayor has scheduled this community conversation."

The community conversation will begin at 5 p.m. on March 3 in the Council Chambers at the Bridgewater Township Municipal Building at 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater. The event will start with a 25-30 minute panel discussion, followed by a Q&A period which is open to residents to speak and ask questions.

Closing comments will begin shortly before the 7 p.m. end-time to allow for the regularly scheduled Bridgewater Town Council meeting.

Expected to participate on the panel are:

• Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench
• Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Robinson
• Bridgewater Police Captain Sean O’Neill
• Pastor David Hobbs of Macedonia Baptist Church in Bridgewater
• New Brunswick NAACP President Bruce Morgan
• Community Activist Tormel Pittman
• Former Bridgewater Police Sergeant Art Atkins

Those wishing to submit their questions in advance may do so here. The panel will answer questions submitted in advance, as well as those asked during the event, and will try to get to as many questions as possible.

The event will also be live-streamed: look for a link on the Bridgewater Township Facebook page Thursday afternoon. Note: Live-stream viewers will NOT be able to ask questions in real-time, but can submit their questions ahead of time using the link above.

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