SEABROOK, N.H. (WHDH) — A video from inside the Seabrook Police Department appears to show three officers slamming an inmate into the wall and the using pepper spray, but in a police report those men said they were using justified force.
The 19-year-old man who was seen with the officers has turned to an attorney as the state investigates the incident.
“Right now it’s apparent that there was bullying to the Nth degree going on, viewed, permitted and conducted within that department,” Scott Gleason, the man’s attorney, said.
All three officers seen in the video are now on paid administrative leave.
The police chief spoke about the case Wednesday at an emergency town meeting.
“Obviously it’s a major setback for us, it’s dark cloud but I can assure the people of Seabrook that we do have professional officers in the department,” Seabrook Police Chief Lee Bitomske said.
The video was from a November 2009 DWI arrest. In newly released court documents, officers said the teen was "an emotional rollercoaster," "swearing and yelling," "completely uncooperative," and acting in "an aggressive manner.”
The police report went on to say that after one officer performed an arm bar on the teen the pepper spray was used.
"Due to Bergeron's prior spitting and failure to comply to anyone's order I pepper sprayed him as he looked back at us,” the report said.
The case is now being investigated by the Attorney General’s office.