An outside investigation found that then-Chief Deputy Fred Mathis was likely intoxicated but cleared . He then requests a full criminal history report for Townsend. He later posted several videos on social media, accusing Moore of racial profiling. I just want people to realize that situations like this are going to happen at the end of the day, this whole Black Lives Matter thing, its a real thing and I understand stuff like that but we just gotta filter out the bad cops and thats their job and everybody elses job.. All of the misdemeanors were dropped at his preliminary hearing, and his summary count of harassment was held for court. The exchange began when the white officer approached the Black man claiming he had been called into the. 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved, Report: Arconic in talks about potential sale, Suspect charged with threatening to kill New Kensington victims if they testified against him, On one of region's steepest roads, Aspinwall's Run for the Hill of It benefits emergency services, Bayer grant boosts food access at Salvation Army in Brackenridge, Greensburg, GZA, Donnie Iris, John Mayer among top concerts to see around Pittsburgh in March, How officials cracked case of eyedrops that blinded people. Get up and go outside," the officer is heard saying in the video. I got called here for you and I'm asking for your identification. Vento's Pizza, home of 'Franco's Italian Army,' to close, Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. The situation was inexcusable and we completely condemn any type of demeaning behavior towards any individual who walks through our doors. Townsend said the restaurant called him later in the day, and invited him back in to eat. Townsend told WTAE they invited him to come back to eat later that day. The experience has been hectic, Townsend said. According to WPXI-TV, Marcus Townsend was eating at G&G Restaurant in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania on Saturday, April 17 with his girlfriend and their service dog. The report was transferred to the Gilpin police department, which filed the charges. Find out more about how we use your information in our privacy policy and cookie policy. He asked the officer what crimes he had committed before being told to leave. Seems like HE is the only one in this situation with a criminal record.. The incident occurred at G&G Restaurant in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania at about 8 a.m. Saturday, April 17, 2021. I wanted him fired. Im sorry. In the video, a white Vandergrift police officer, William Moore, can be seen telling Marcus Townsend, a Black man, who reportedly recorded the video, that he was called because of Townsend. Moore declined to comment when reached Tuesday. He wanted to see service papers, Townsend told the outlet. He's talking about the my tattoos on my face. Vandergrift police Chief Joe Caporali said Moore responded to a Westmoreland County 911 call just before 8 a.m. Saturday reporting that a Black male was smoking marijuana outside G&G Restaurant on Columbia Avenue. Vandergrift Police Chief Joe Caporali refused to comment on Moores return, citing a personnel matter. Deputy Carlos Lopez went missing for nearly an hour following the crash at Pico Canyon Road and Southern Oaks Drive in Stevenson Ranch . By clicking Accept all you agree that Yahoo and our partners will process your personal information, and use technologies such as cookies, to display personalised ads and content, for ad and content measurement, audience insights, and product development. On newly released body camera footage, an Aurora police officer describes a colleague, who is passed out drunk at the wheel of his unmarked car in the middle. I just go about my day knowing that if we run into a cop you might get into a situation like that," he said. The officer is off schedule until conclusion of this investigation at which time Vandergrift Borough Council will take appropriate action. Pittsburgh's Action News Four reached out to Officer William Moore by email but never got a response. Inside the restaurant, he initiated a conversation with Marcus Townsend, a Black male. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Moore then called for backup on his walkie-talkie when Townsend said, please bring your superior here, sir. And with a slurred tone, Moore said, I am your superior. The officer appeared to struggle with getting out his next sentence: I am superior officer My badge numbers 4 you understand that. Townsend calmly replied, Yes, sir.. Townsend alleged that Moore first approached him about the dog, and his girlfriend left with the dog to avoid causing an issue. Townsend replies, "what was the call?". Hes a musician, and said he would like to plan positive things for Vandergrift. UPDATE: Vandergrift man claims he was racially profiled by police, CAMERA. I ALSO REACHED OUT THE TOWNSEND TO GET HIS THOUGHTS ON THE DEVELOPMENTS IN THIS CASE, BUT HAVE NOT HEARD BACK REPOR. Vandergrift PD confirmed that 20-year vet, Officer William Moore, had. Moore orders Townsend to show his ID, and Townsend correctly notes that he doesnt have to show his freedom papers ID to an officer just because its been asked for. Once the review is finished, the towns council will decide whether Moore will return to his post, TribLIVE reports. In a video showing Moore, Townsend, and another officer outside, Moore is seen asking his colleagues if they found any warrants out for Townsend. Its not an infallible science, but its the best we have. If I can leave with anything, I would like to tell every single one of our friends and customers to always keep in the back of their mind to always be kind and to always strive to morally be the best that you can be. He claimed that Moore had first approached them about the dog. Last week, Mayor Barb Turiak confirmed to TribLive that Moore had been removed from duty on paid leave while the incident was being internally investigated. Just as he got inside, he said an officer with the Vandergrift police department approached him, and asked to see the service papers for the dog. Townsend relents and gives the officer his ID and notes that hes being racially profiled to which the officer begins mocking Moore, which is totally a thing that a person in a bar whose had a few too many would do. The incident was caught on video, TribLive reported at the time the charges were filed. His message for the borough residents: I feel like the people of this town want a good, simple and peaceful town. 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved, Report: Arconic in talks about potential sale, Suspect charged with threatening to kill New Kensington victims if they testified against him, On one of region's steepest roads, Aspinwall's Run for the Hill of It benefits emergency services, Bayer grant boosts food access at Salvation Army in Brackenridge, Greensburg, GZA, Donnie Iris, John Mayer among top concerts to see around Pittsburgh in March, How officials cracked case of eyedrops that blinded people. The situation was inexcusable and we completely condemn any type of demeaning behavior towards any individual who walks through our doors. That's normal life, you know. In an alert shared on Facebook Friday, Feb. 24, the San Francisco Police Department said Jeffrey "JV" Vandergrift hadn't been seen since 10 p.m. the evening before. Contribute to Atlanta Black Star today and help us share our narratives. He was also reportedly suspended in 2018 for unknown reasons.. Yeah, because you were the one smoking weed, Moore replied. The camera cut, and Townsend, Moore, and another office reappeared, now standing outside, and the young man continued to ask why hes being asked for his identification and to stay outside. Moore hired a private attorney to defend him. I dont think its right because in my eyes, I feel like the dude is not a good cop, Townsend said. After the arrests of seven Los Angeles police officers on suspicion of drunk driving in recent days, LAPD officials are cautioning cops not to make the same mistake. According to the Daily Dot, the folks of Vandergrift, or at least some of them, dont like the good green because the police were called about someone smoking marijuana in front of the diner. I go out in public and Im known as the G&G guy.. Townsend said he pulled out his cellphone and began recording the exchange between himself and the officer. After last weeks council meeting, acting Solicitor Alaine G. Generelli declined to comment when asked about Moores expected return. Run that please because this guy is saying that Im racial profiling him, the officer says, Daily Dot reports. As mayor, one of her duties is overseeing the police department. Townsend replies, "what was the call? "For him to come straight to me," said Townsend. "It was just a big ordeal that he wanted me out of the store, basically that's what he wanted from the jump," he said. And its sad at the end of the day you know. I DID REACH OUT TO OFFICER MORE BY EMAIL FOR COMMENT, BUT DID NOT HEAR BACK. Vandergrift Police Officer William Moore, who was suspended last month for unprofessional conduct, is back on duty. You can contact Joyce by email at jhanz@triblive.com or via Twitter . Oh yeah, cause I just dont like Black people. Moore continues. In an exchange outside the restaurant, Townsend said in one video, You came straight to the Black dude sitting at the table.. "It's very fair, and it's very right," he slurs, before Townsend finally relents and hands over his ID, without ever being told what he is supposedly suspected of doing. Doctors dont know everything. The borough launched its internal investigation following an April 17 incident in which Moore responded to a Westmoreland County 911 call reporting that a Black male was smoking marijuana outside of G&G Restaurant. Yeah, I dont like Black people. He continued to shout into the camera, Its like that out here. Marcus Townsend, the man who was confronted by the officer Saturday morning inside G & G Restaurant, said he believes he was racially profiled. Apr 27, 2021 A Pennsylvania police officer who was filmed drunk while on duty and "racially profiling" a Black diner has been removed from duty. Joyce Hanz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. "Vandergrift police chief Joseph Caporali issued the following statement to Pittsburgh's Action News 4 on Monday:As a result of this encounter, allegations of possible misconduct of this officer are taken very seriously and the matter is under investigation. Officer William Moore confronted the customer at G and G Restaurant.. When Moore checked in to see if anything could be pulled up on Townsend, he was told negative. triblive.com Vandergrift police officer charged by Gilpin cops A Vandergrift police officer has been charged with assault and harassment by Gilpin police. TribLive reported the charges stemmed from a report from the Armstrong County Children and Youth Services office, which said the boy was seen at school with a scratch on his arm. Vandergrift police chief Joseph Caporali issued the following statement to Pittsburgh's Action News 4 on Monday: As a result of this encounter, allegations of possible misconduct of this officer are taken very seriously and the matter is under investigation. Drunk Cop? ", "I am superior officer," he announces loudly. Moore is currently on paid leave, according to TribLIVE. Moore has worked for the Vandergrift Police Department for more than 20 years, TribLive reported. Vandergrift has suspended a police officer who had been the target of an internal investigation concerning his conduct while on duty. An on-duty Pennsylvania police officer who was filmed "racially profiling" a Black diner has been removed from duty. You can contact Joyce by email at jhanz@triblive.com or via Twitter . I wasn't doing nothing. A customer at a Vandergrift restaurant is claiming he was racially profiled by police, and recorded the tense moments on his cellphone.Marcus Townsend said he eats breakfast at G & G restaurant quite frequently. It was upsetting because I didnt expect to be treated like this by my own town.. Our entire goal is for every person visiting our restaurant to be able to enjoy their entire experience and for us to serve our community. Tamara Simpson Tuesday, April 3, 2007 12:00 a.m. | Tuesday, April 3, . Court documents alleged he placed his forearm against the boys throat and covered the boys mouth with his hand. Vandergrift police Chief Joe Caporali had said Moore was responding to a 911 call reporting that a Black man was smoking marijuana outside the restaurant. Vandergrift has suspended a police officer who had been the target of an internal investigation concerning his conduct while on duty. I came here for my breakfast," he said.Townsend said he pulled out his cellphone and began recording the exchange between himself and the officer. Moore has been with the department for more than 20 years. There is no reason to believe that the featured media clips will in any way negatively affect the market value of the copyrighted works. Vandergrift Police Chief Joseph Caporali revealed that Moore was taken off the schedule with pay pending an internal investigation into the incident. JOSEPH CAPARELLI TOLD ME A CALL WAS MADE TO 911 ABOUT SOMEONE SMOKING MARIJUANA OUTSIDE OF THE RESTAURANT TOWNSEND TOLD ME. No hate towards cops. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. This is part 2 of drunk Officer William Moore with the Vandergrift Police in PA racially profiling an innocent Black man pic.twitter.com/wzNQONPNGp. The restaurant where the incident occurred, G&G Restaurant, posted on Facebook they were saddened by what happened and that they want everyone to feel comfortable there. Moore also says several times he was called for the man. Uh-oh, overstock: Wayfair put their surplus on sale for up to 50% off. Townsend posted the videos to Facebook which were shared hundreds of times before they were taken down. Officer William Moore. I would like to tell every single one of our friends and customers to always be kind and to always strive to morally be the best that you can be.. The material is presented for entirely non-profit educational purposes. IM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT THINKS THE COPS IN THE WRONG. He was there Saturday morning with his girlfriend and service dog, but said things took a turn when police showed up. White People, Here's Why We Need Black History Month, This Book Aims To Arm Kids With The Tools To Fight Racism, White Supremacist Couple Attempted To Destroy Baltimore's Power Grid. "Run that please because this guy is saying I'm racial profiling him," he's heard saying on the video. "Whenever she got up and took the dog home that's when he started, you know, talking about, I smell weed, we came over here about weed, you were smoking dope outside, and I was like, no, I wasn't smoking. Townsend told the news station Moore initially asked for papers for the service dog. Vandergrift Mayor Barb Turiak did not return phone calls seeking comment. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. He (Moore) showed he is not someone that respects code and the ways of the law. THE RESTAURANT TOLD ME THEY ARE NOT COMMENTING ON THE INCIDENT. 2525 A popular and longtime San Francisco radio DJ disappeared four days ago after writing an alarming Instagram post. A Pennsylvania cop is under fire for allegedly "racially profiling" a Black man at a diner. However, workers with G&G Restaurant told WPXI-TV that they never called the cops nor had any issue with Townsend. He is being paid while on leave, the newspaper reported. No word on whether or not Townsend even received his meal because police harassment can ruin an appetite. Atlanta Black Star is a narrative company. Instead, Moore radios for back-up. HE POSTED SEVERAL VIDEOS ON SOCIAL MEDIA THAT WENT VIRAL. And it's sad at the end of the day you know. Once the review is finished, the. 724-568-5507. The Virginia State Police Trooper who was filmed giving a Black driver an "ass whooping" has been fired. "I just want people to realize that situations like this are going to happen at the end of the day, this whole Black Lives Matter thing, it's a real thing and I understand stuff like that but we just gotta filter out the bad cops and that's their job and everybody else's job.". Dot reports a vandergrift police officer has been with the department for more than 20 years, reports. 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