By: Richard L. Smith
Two Newark Police officers have been suspended without pay following a disturbing altercation that was caught on camera and witnessed by members of the public on Friday.
The confrontation, which occurred in the city's East Ward, was captured on video and obtained by RLS Media. It shows a heated physical fight between the two officers in full uniform.
The officers involved have been identified as Officer Kayla Torres and Officer Felipe Ramirez.
RLS Media first learned that the incident occurred near McDonald's on McCarter Highway while the officers were responding to a public assistance request.
The video, approximately 1 minute and 24 seconds long, begins with Torres aggressively exiting the passenger side of the patrol car, suggesting a dispute had already occurred inside the vehicle.
In the footage, Torres is seen approaching the vehicle's driver's side, where Officer Ramirez exited.
A verbal dispute ensued, but Torres quickly took the driver's seat as Ramirez exited. As Torres got inside the patrol car, Ramirez violently slammed the door, as the video showed.
In response, Torres opened the door and threw an unknown object at Ramirez's head.
What followed, was a physical confrontation, with Torres sprinting towards Ramirez and attempting to strike him.
While making some contact, Ramirez ultimately forced her to the ground. The video shows the two officers tussling, with Torres continuing to swing at Ramirez while he tried to restrain her.
Officer Ramirez eventually managed to hold Torres in a half bear hug, bringing the struggle to a temporary standstill as onlookers expressed their shock.
After the brief scuffle, Torres ran back toward the police car, tearing up several documents that had fallen from Ramirez's hands during the altercation. No serious injuries were reported, but the incident has raised concerns within the community.
Torres and Ramirez were immediately disciplined, and RLS Media has confirmed that both officers have been suspended without pay while an internal investigation is conducted.
While Newark officials have not spoken on the matter, when we showed the video to a high-ranking county officer speaking on anonymity, he said the following:
"This kind of behavior is not representative of the professionalism we expect from our officers,". "I expect this matter to be taken seriously and a thorough investigation must be conduted."
The incident has prompted a public outcry, with residents questioning the professionalism of the officers and the handling of internal conflicts within the force.
The altercation comes at a time when the behavior of law enforcement in Newark is under intense scrutiny, and the department is working to rebuild trust with the community.
RLS Media family, -you should know that- while the majority of Newark Police officers and personnel uphold the department's standards highly and are respected for their professional work in ensuring the safety and security of Newark residents, the department has faced challenges in the last two months due to incidents involving a few officers who have shown 'trying times' keeping to the law and police standards they've sworn to uphold.
The following incidents have put Newark officers in some departmental/legal trouble during the summer and early fall months:
1. SERIAL THEFT ALLEGATIONS: Newark Cop Charged in Disturbing Target Shoplifting Incident (Click HERE)
2. Newark Detective Suspended Without Pay Following Alleged DWI Crash in Edison; Injuries (Click HERE)
Note: Detective Hinnant has since returned to the job and is driving one of the department's high-ranking chiefs.
3. Newark Police Officer Charged in Essex County Illegal Drug Possession Incident (Click HERE)
4. Newark Police Officer Charged with Multiple Felonies Amid Unlawful Weapons, Practices Investigation (Click HERE)
The investigation remains ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.