Phenix City police release details after viral arrest video, say officers followed department policies and procedures
Authorities in Phenix City say a man is facing multiple charges following a disturbance Saturday night at a Dollar Tree parking lot, an incident that later gained attention online after a video of the arrest circulated on social media.
According to the Phenix City Police Department, officers responded around 8 p.m. on May 17 to the Dollar Tree located at 500 13th Street after receiving reports of a disorderly subject in the parking lot.
A video posted to social media, which has since gone viral locally, appears to show officers taking the suspect to the ground during the arrest outside the store.
When officers arrived, witnesses reported an altercation had taken place involving a man and two women, including one who was pregnant. Witnesses told police the man was harassing the women and behaving in a disorderly manner, including allegedly groping himself in public.
Police identified the man as Jaicyn Banda, who was seen walking across the parking lot toward the Phenix City Art Park. Officers said repeated verbal commands were given for Banda to stop, but he allegedly refused to comply.
According to police, an officer continued following Banda while waiting for backup to arrive. Once a second officer reached the scene, Banda reportedly stopped walking but still refused commands to get on the ground. After multiple commands were ignored, officers forced Banda to the ground and placed him in handcuffs.
While Banda was in custody, officers discovered he had injuries believed to have been sustained during the earlier altercation in the parking lot. Police said officers immediately rendered aid and requested medical assistance.
Officers also reported smelling a strong odor of alcohol coming from Banda. The Columbus Police Department later advised that Banda had allegedly consumed several alcoholic beverages at a downtown Columbus bar before leaving without paying.
Banda was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
On May 18, warrants were obtained charging Banda with disorderly conduct, public intoxication, attempting to elude and resisting arrest.
The Phenix City Police Department stated all response-to-resistance incidents are reviewed internally and said the officers involved were found to be in compliance with department policies and procedures.
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