Lexington Police Chief speaks to WBBJ after arrest incident sparks controversy

LEXINGTON, Tenn. — A social media post causes reactions as officers make an arrest during a traffic stop.

A video posted to social media on Monday shows officers using force when arresting 24-year-old Kendal Keith.

(CONTENT WARNING: Video may be disturbing or offensive to some)

Keith became a suspect after Lexington police officers witnessed an assault on August 16 in the 600 block of West Church Street involving a juvenile.

SEE ALSO: Lexington Police issue statement after arrest video surfaces

According to Chief Jeff Middleton, Keith was seen aggressively swinging his arms at the juvenile’s vehicle leaving the scene, and when officers stopped the vehicle to investigate what turned out to be a traffic dispute, Keith pulled up to the scene shouting and causing a disruption.

“The man was obviously very upset and afraid. It was visible on our body cameras that he was in danger–in fear of being assaulted–and that’s why he was leaving the parking lot, trying to get away from him,” said Chief Middleton.

When an officer went to arrest Keith, he refused and remained in his vehicle, resulting in the officer forcefully removing him.

As of Tuesday, the video has over 144,000 views and over 800 shares.

Some viewers say he should’ve just gotten out of the car, others are outraged, claiming the use of force was excessive.

The department is working with the district attorney general’s office to validate the officer’s actions.

“We are in the process of reviewing their use of force as we do with all force incidents,” said Chief Middleton.

As concerns around law enforcement accountability and community trust continue nationwide, Chief Middleton outlined what his department is doing to address those issues locally.

“Accountability is a part of our culture here. That’s why we do independent reviews of every use of force that occurs to ensure that our officers know that what they’re doing out on the street is being looked at to make sure that it’s in compliance with the law,” said Chief Middleton.

Chief Middleton says that Keith did not sustain any injuries but urges residents to comply with officers.

“Out there on the street, these situations can escalate very quickly and we don’t have court out on the street. Comply with the officers. If you feel you’ve been mistreated or treated inappropriately, file a complaint,” said Chief Middleton.

Keith now faces charges of assault, disorderly conduct, and resisting an officer during a stop, frisk, halt, or arrest.

We have reached out for body cam footage but were told the release of it is prohibited due to it being evidence in a pending criminal investigation.

Stay tuned on air and online at 10 p.m. where we will hear from Keith.

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