Kirkland Police Chief Responds To YMCA Claims Of Excessive Force

KIRKLAND — Kirkland city officials are responding after video of an arrest inside the YMCA in September was made public. Wednesday, the YMCA of Greater Seattle held a press conference, calling the arrest of a 14-year-old teen boy an "intense and traumatic" use of police force.

In the video, an officer is seen struggling with the teen in a doorway, then spinning him around and taking him to the ground. YMCA staff also reported an officer pointed a taser at another teen and used profanity during the arrest.

"The police officers' behavior and the level of force were unacceptable and cannot be condoned anywhere in our community, especially in a safe place for teens," said Loria Yeadon, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Seattle.

According to police, law enforcement first became aware of the teen earlier in the day, after school officials at Juanita High School notified a school resource officer that a group of young men were trespassing and planning to assault a student at the school. Throughout the day, police said four other 911 calls came in related to the same group of teens, including a package theft and the theft of a tip jar. Officers were then told the group had entered the YMCA.

After the incident on September 5, YMCA leaders sent a formal complaint to Kirkland Mayor Penny Sweet, requesting an investigation and meeting. Both groups have met several times, but the YMCA says no disciplinary actions have been taken in the two months since.

On Thursday, Kirkland Police Chief Cherie Harris, and City Manager Kurt Triplett released a lengthy joint statement regarding the arrest. While the Chief's investigation into the use of force has not concluded, Harris acknowledged the officer's use of profanity was not acceptable behavior and said the department would respond appropriately. Chief Harris said the city is open to potential changes to police protocol and would consider hosting a forum with teens, parents and YMCA staff.

"We understand that it is human nature to experience events differently based on our backgrounds and circumstances. We take very seriously the ways in which this event was experienced by KTUB staff and youth. Kirkland is committed to continuing an ongoing dialogue to increase understanding of our differing perspectives and make any necessary changes to create deeper, stronger relationships.

Both parties clearly desire to partner to create an atmosphere where police, teens, KTUB staff and community members feel safe, and where both agencies have clear expectations and communication when similar situations arise. The City is dedicated to making this partnership successful."

Read the city's full statement and view additional videos on the City of Kirkland website.