Demonstrators and Black Lives Matter activists gathered in front of the New Haven Police Department headquarters to protest a 27-year-old man's arrest at a liquor store over the weekend.
The New Haven Register reports Jeffrey Agnew Jr. alleges that he was assaulted by officers on Saturday night after he had what he claims was a nonviolent, nonthreatening dispute with a clerk at a Whalley Avenue liquor store.
Agnew said he initially cooperated with police following the incident only to be beaten and arrested by three officers. He has been charged with disorderly conduct and interfering with police.
A police news release announcing Saturday's arrest said that Agnew refused to be taken into custody and became violent with the officers.
Police said they arrived at the liquor store just after 9:32 p.m. after the clerk said a woman was trying to buy alcohol and he asked for identification, but she did not have any, so Agnew gave his ID, but the clerk refused to sell him alcohol, so he threatened everyone inside and screamed at the security guard.
Police said Agnew refused to give officers his ID and fought with officers, who deployed pepper spray on him and hit his bicep with a baton.
Agnew was charged with disorderly conduct and interfering with police.
Chief Dean Esserman declined to comment on Agnew's allegations.
