The City Attorney’s Office announced it will not pursue criminal charges in connection with an Aug. 2 arrest outside Harper’s Restaurant and Brewpub, bnd.com reported. The incident involved 20-year-old Myana Collins and drew public complaints regarding police conduct.
City Attorney Carlito Young stated that the municipal review followed a decision by the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office not to authorize criminal charges. Young defended the actions of the responding personnel in an Oct. 16 news release.
“They responded to a difficult and rapidly evolving situation, cooperated fully with all subsequent reviews and have maintained professionalism throughout more than two months of public scrutiny,” Young said.
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Criticizes Police Force
The decision prompted immediate pushback from critics, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, which called for a full review of the arrest. According to the organization, an officer struck Collins several times on the back and arm while she was lying face down on the ground, handcuffed, and restrained at the legs.
The East Lansing City Attorney’s Office will not pursue charges against Myanna Collins regarding the incident outside Harper’s Restaurant and Brewpub on Aug. 2. https://t.co/VS4qUnczdj pic.twitter.com/7HUsqVViPa
The public outcry following the social media footage led to administrative action within the department. One officer involved in the encounter was placed on administrative leave.
Upcoming Video Release and Investigation Status
City officials plan to release body camera footage documenting the encounter, according to Young. While municipal and county prosecutors have declined to file criminal charges against individuals involved in the incident, the upcoming video release remains a central point of interest for community observers monitoring the fallout from the August arrest.
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