By JULIE CUNNINGHAM
(Northampton MA) Northampton Police Chief Jodie Kasper said the officer shown in a video shot Monday, the first part of which can be seen here,and the second part of which can be seen here, acted appropriately and was just doing his job.
“Regarding the video, at about 12:16 pm on Monday, an officer responded to the area 116 Main Street for a report of a person who was being aggressive. While the officer was at the call, a separate male who was not related to the original call, walked up to the officer and began verbally engaging with him,” Kasper explained. The male in the video can be seen screaming and swearing at the Northampton Police Officer.
Witnesses who were concerned for the officer’s safety called dispatch during the interaction.
“The initial officer, as well as other officers and witnesses, were verbally berated by the male. Officers tried talking with him, but were not successful in having a conversation. The officers remained calm and professional, and ultimately cleared the area,” said Kasper.
Franklin County Now has a breakdown of the incident and a clip not connected to Facebook that can be seen here.