Community in turmoil reaches out to police

A Lake Wales neighborhood is seeking resolution after a heated incident between police and residents last week.

Police say they pulled over a car because the window tint was too dark. But, that erupted into physical violence on both sides and Sunday night they’re still trying to get to the bottom of things.

Video released last week by The Lake Wales Police Department shows a situation that escalated quickly after what started as a traffic stop.

A crowd began to gather, as tension between police and residents grew.

Police ended up using tasers and arresting Donovan Gray who they say hit an officer in the face. But residents say that’s not entirely true and it was police who were too aggressive.

After reviewing the video the police chief said officers did the right thing.

“I think the officers were responding to the level of aggression that they were experiencing,” said Chief Herb Gillis.

More than a week later, some in the community are getting together to try and sort out what happened in hopes of improving relations.

“We do want to hear from the community. It’s one thing for us to speak as leadership but we need to get to the heart of what happened,” explained Pastor James Cleare.

The NAACP says their concerns with the police department predate the November 7th incident.

Pastor James Cleare, admits there are problems on both sides of this battle, and everyone needs to take responsibility.

Herbert Christian, who’s lived in Lake Wales since 1969, agrees.

“I hope something changes. I’m hoping, that’s right,” offered Herbert Christian who’s lived in Lake Wales since 1969.

Sunday night about 65 people including community leaders talked through the incident. It’s a process and they say they’re making progress, but resolution will take time.

“I feel like what they were doing was wrong and they could have handled it in a better way than they did and they just got out of proportion with it,” according to resident Esaw Brunson.

The Lake Wales Police Chief says the investigation is ongoing. Though, based on the information he currently has, he still maintains his officers acted appropriately.