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Webster Police Release Bodycam Video, Defend Force in Teen’s Violent Arrest

Police leaders say reports of apparent guns plus a fight for an officer’s weapon informed their use of force.

Overview

  • Bodycam footage released Monday shows officers wrestling, striking and using a stun gun on a shirtless 17-year-old during a Saturday arrest in Webster, Massachusetts.
  • Dispatch had reported three juveniles displaying what looked like rifles and a later call that a car window was shot out during an altercation near Wall Street.
  • Police say the teen ignored commands, reached toward an officer’s duty belt and kept resisting before being taken into custody with another juvenile.
  • Two BB guns were found in a case about 50 feet from the arrest site, and the juveniles were released to parents after medical treatment.
  • The teen, identified as Japhet Villaneuva, alleges excessive force and broken teeth and faces charges including assault and battery on a police officer and resisting arrest, while one officer suffered a broken hand and a sergeant had minor injuries.