BRUNSWICK, GA. — Parents of a teen are speaking out after what they call ‘excessive force’ was used on a 13-year-old boy.
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According to a police report, back in September of 2024, officers stopped the boy in his neighborhood because his bike had no lights. When the boy tried going over to his home, officers threw him to the ground.
After his mother arrived on the scene, the boy eventually escaped officers and ran to the back of his home. Shortly after, his parents filed a complaint against the department.
However, on Saturday, December 21, the Brunswick Police Department released a statement on Facebook discussing the situation, as well as clearing the officer of any wrongdoing, saying in part
“We acknowledge the department should have been more diligent in communicating with the complainants...policy changes will be implemented to ensure officers properly identify themselves upon approaching our citizens.”
Ryan Gordon, the boy’s father, had this to say about the statement:
“It really was just a vague statement that lacked accountability and action and an apology.”
The boy was charged with traffic violations and construction of an officer, but a judge dropped all charges against him. The mayor’s office is now reviewing the body camera footage for further access. Action News Jax requested the footage as well, but has not yet received.
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