Bend PD release videos, deny any officers’ wrongdoing in wake of Pilot Butte melee

(Update: Video added)

Say no evidence found any officers choked, spat on protesters

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- With an investigation still underway, the Bend Police Department shared four social media videos and issued a statement Thursday defending officers' actions amid two opposing groups that turned into a melee at Pilot Butte Neighborhood Park last Saturday afternoon.

Here is the police department's statement, in full, issued by Lt. Juli McConkey, with links to some of the videos police have reviewed. (Warning: graphic language).

Continued review of events at Pilot Butte Neighborhood Park on October 3, 2020

On October 3, 2020 Bend Police officers were called to the Pilot Butte Neighborhood Park to address calls for service and reported criminal activity during a protest event. While at this event, officers took reports of various crimes and as the officers were trying to leave the scene, a group of individuals sat and stood in front of their vehicles to block them from leaving.  Officers engaged with these people in an effort to get them to clear the area so they could leave the park.

The Bend Police Department is aware that community members have questions about allegations that one of our officers choked a person to the point of unconsciousness using their backpack and spat on someone during this engagement.

As previously released, we have assigned an investigative team to review the large amount of evidence that was produced during this event, including numerous different video recordings. We will review the actions of all involved, including our officers.   

During standard investigative process, we typically do not release any material prior to submitting the information to the District Attorney’s Office for review. However, due to the overwhelming community interest and in the interest of overall public safety and transparency, we are providing this update based on our review of available evidence to this point.  

Our review of the available evidence demonstrates the following:

• Bend Police officers remained professional, calm and communicated in a clear and concise manner. 
• Officers gave clear directions for members of the crowd to move.
• The evidence does not support a claim that any officer choked any person.
• The evidence does not support a claim that any person lost consciousness from being choked during their contact with Bend Police.
• Many members of the crowd disregarded the lawful orders given to them by Bend Police Officers to stop obstructing Bend Police officers from leaving the scene in a police vehicle.
• There is no evidence we have reviewed suggesting any officer spat on any community member. 

Allegations of misconduct by our employees are taken very seriously and because of the seriousness of these issues, we initiated a review immediately.  We will continue to review any additional information or evidence that is submitted to us or as it becomes available. 

No officers have been placed on administrative leave or are under formal investigation at this time as a result of this incident.

To view the videos that were available that we have reviewed, please see the links below (WARNING: Graphic language included).

Video 001: https://youtu.be/U1ZM_lJzWHc

Video 002: https://youtu.be/2kerlf3RqXE

Video 003: https://youtu.be/jeSftmkIFY0

Video 004: https://youtu.be/wGXVeDtc2OM