Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Springfield Police have released body camera video of a man being arrested after he allegedly assaulted a dog, police officers, and his girlfriend.
It happened around 6:45 Saturday night. Chief Joe Behl says in a message he released on video, as officers struggled with K’Shawn Rush, 32, outside a home near Yale and Cornell, others noticed what was happening.
“Springfield Police Department is aware of a video circulating on social media depicting officers using force during an encounter with a subject,” said Behl. “We understand the public’s concern, and wanted to ensure our community that every use of force incident is taken seriously.”
Police say eyewitnesses claim they saw Rush striking and choking the dog, believed to be stolen, and that he attempted to “use the dog to threaten or intimidate others,” according to a news release.
In four different body camera videos Behl released, a 24 minute video shows Rush trying to leave during the incident, struggling and fighting with officers, and make it difficult to be placed in a squad car. Police say pepper spray was used on Rush, at which time immediate aid was given.
Rush also allegedly attacked his girlfriend, refused to comply with officers’ demands, according to police, and in addition to assaulting them, allegedly removed items from their duty vests.
“Out an abundance of caution, and consistent with department protocol after the use of OC (pepper) spray, medical assistance was immediately requested. Rush was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment,” said the news release.
Rush, who police say was out on pre-trial release “for multiple cases of aggravated battery and aggravated assault,” is back in jail and faces charges of Aggravated Battery to a Police Officer, Domestic Battery, Resisting Arrest, and Cruelty to Animals. It is not clear when he will be in court.
“In accordance to our commitment to accountability, all use of force incidents undergo a thorough, multi-level review process, to ensure they align with department policies, as well as state and federal laws,” said Behl, in the video. It is not clear if the process is complete, nor if there will be any sanctions taken against the officers involved.
“In the interest of transparency, we are releasing the body-worn camera footage from officers directly involved in the incident,” said Behl. “We recognize that the use of force can be difficult to witness, and this situation is no exception. Our decision to proactively release this footage reflects our dedication to professionalism, accountability, and maintaining the trust of the community we serve.”
You can view the full videos below. Other than to mark that the source of the video was Springfield Police and which of the four body camera videos was being seen, the videos were not edited by WTAX News or Capitol City Now. Rather, they were simply spliced into one video for ease of viewing. The videos were released with faces, computer screens, and other things already blurred or unrevealed. As always, it should be noted that all suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The video is uncensored, and foul language can be heard throughout.
