Public Comment On Lower Merion Police Use Of Force Available Jan 18

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — Lower Merion Township Commissioner said the community can share their thoughts on Sunday's use of force incident in an official capacity next week.

Officials said the next opportunity for public comment on the incident is at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18.

Comment will be available at the Police Committee meeting and the Regular Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for that day.

Lower Merion Police Superintendent Michael McGrath will also share the results of the completed use of force investigation.

"We recognize that the public has an interest in and questions about the use of force incident that took place on Sunday, January 8, 2023, in Lower Merion Township," the board of commissioners said in a statement. "We all are eager to hear the results of a thorough investigation. The Board of Commissioners is committed to proceeding expediently and transparently. In addition, the Board welcomes the comments and feedback of the public.

Residents who wish to comment on the incident should reach out to their Commissioner or email the board at CommissionerDistributionList@lowermerion.org.

The investigation stems from an incident Sunday during a traffic stop in Bala Cynwyd, at the intersection of Conshohocken State and Rockhill roads, township officials said.

Police tried to stop a vehicle but a short pursuit ensued heading east on Conshohocken State Road, authorities said.

The vehicle stopped in a Wawa parking lot, and there, authorities said police encountered "a non-compliant driver who actively resisted their follow up investigation."

Video from the scene showed police using a Taser on the driver, who has not been charged, Fox 29 reports.

Video also showed police confronting the driver, a black woman, with a gun drawn.

Authorities said force was used to take the driver into custody, who was taken to a medical facility for what authorities said was an existing medical condition.

No one was hurt during the incident and driver was released, according to authorities.
Authorities said the incident is being reviewed in regards to the township's use of force policy.

The Lower Merion Police Department has a nationally accredited Use of Force policy that requires a full review of every such incident, authorities said.