Breaking News! MSCO ManHANDles Student at Central High School

A video made its rounds today on social media showing Mesa County Sheriff’s Deputy Phil Peterson slamming a BIPOC student to the sidewalk and placing him in a choke hold. A few seconds later Deputy Michael Hand, joins the scene shakily pointing a Taser at the student.

“This is the kinda stuff you see on the national news,” said Star Humphries, “not here.” Humphries’ daughter shot the video and is also the victim’s girlfriend. The student that was assaulted by deputies was not charged with any crime nor was he arrested or detained.

The incident which occurred at 1130 am, yesterday April 25th, was recorded by numerous students. Who, despite being told to stop recording, stood on their rights and continued to record. (Thank you for your bravery and steady hands). The original poster of the video has received pressure to take down the video.

This isn’t the first issue with Deputy Hand targeting non-white students according to Humphreys. “He’s a racists, very racist” she said.

Parents are scared, we spoke with numerous parents of students at Central High School that are scared to send their kids to school. They didn’t send them today nor will they send them tomorrow.

Additionally, parents of those students who are close to this incident, have filed a complaint and it is confirmed that a Professional Standards Unit investigation is under way internally within the Mesa County Sheriff’s Department.

“He is a good kid, there was no need for this.” said Humphries.

This is still very much a breaking story. We will try to keep you all updated. But while we investigate, please take a second to tell the sheriff (ask to leave a message for Sheriff Rowell): 970-244-3500 and/or the superintendent of District 51: (970) 254-5100 and tell them to get those officers out of our schools, off the payroll, and into a courtroom!

UPDATE: Friday 3pm. MCSO released a statement about the incident. They are asking people with information to call 970 244 3973, and to send any video or pictures to socomplaint@mesacounty.us.

The biggest question that many parents had was not answered by the Sheriff’s office. We asked around and can confirm that the Deputies are still on duty, but they are serving at different schools while they are under investigation.

Video can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=122132923094233127&id=61556993837703&rdid=1gRc97LcIsCz8Ukh

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