OCEAN CITY, Md.- Backlash continues after an arrest video goes viral. The video shows a group of men being arrest on the boardwalk in Ocean City. Today, we're learning more about the ordinance that sparked police officers to approach the group. We're also hearing for the first time from the men involved and how they felt during the situation. The town says there has been an ordinance in place since 2015 that does not allow vaping and smoking on parts of the boardwalk. Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan says the newest change came when they updated the signage that shows smoking is not allowed. But police say it was the push back from one of the men not wanting to provide ID, and the aggressive behavior from the other three men involved that led to the use of force. Mayor Rick Meehan says unfortunately this arrest was made for reasons other than the vaping. Meehan said, "Look at some of the things that happened unfortunately simple compliance in those situations would've made it so none of those things would have happened and it is unfortunate when that doesn't occur, that's not our goal compliance is out goal." While officers kneed Brian Anderson in his side, he couldn't help but think the worst. Brian Anderson, one of the men in the video arrested by Ocean City Police said, "I just asked God to give me the strength and to guide me, protect me so that this officer doesn't make this my last day here." Members of the Worcester County NAACP want answers to the use of force. Adriano Almony, a Worcester County NAACP Member said, "Looking for full accountability, you know nothing to be swept under the rug, clear transparency for the Ocean City Police Department to conduct a full investigation that you know holds people accountable that if there is wrong done that there is consequences for that." People on the Ocean City boardwalk still reacting to the triggering video. Carlton Gordy, from Chester, PA said, "Being a man of color, we're always worried about that and we really are worried about that for the welfare of our children also because they don't understand the magnitude of what's going on." Elected officials in Maryland addressing the video, Senator Mary Beth Carozza saying, "their follow up violent actions led to their arrest. These are the facts." While U.S. Senator Ben Cardin says "Excessive force should not be tolerated anywhere." Over the last couple of days officials have been referring to a full video of the event. We have reached out multiple times to try and get access to that video but have been told it is being used as evidence at this point and we cannot see it.
NAACP Wants Accountability for Viral Arrest Video, Town Officials Address Ordinance that Sparked Warnings Leading to Arrests
