Did Police Violate a Man's Rights - Police Chief Explains

Did Utica Police violate a man's rights? A viral video shows a man struggling on the ground while being searched by officers as bystanders claim his rights are being violated. But the video isn't telling the whole story. Turns out police were searcing for a gun.

Once officers discovered the gun they were well within their rights to ensure public safety

Chief of Police Mark Williams says officers discovered marijuana during a traffic stop. While patting down one of the suspects, they felt a gun in his pants. He was taken to the ground after resisting officers, who uncovered a 22 caliber Ruger. "It was found under several layers of clothing in a pocket of his boxer shorts," explains Chief Williams. "Normally a search like this is prohibited but once officers discovered the gun they were well within their rights to ensure public safety."

18 year-old Trevon Brown of Utica is facing several charges including criminal possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of marijuana, resisting arrest and possession of stolen property.

Chief Williams says Sergeant Scott Berger and Police Officers Michael Mahay & Paul Dewey, did an outstanding job in preventing harm to themselves and Brown. "While Brown was actively resisting arrest the firearm could have accidentally discharged if not for the actions by these officers."

Officers starting wearing body cameras last October and the department Chief Williams says they have the entire arrest on video. "It makes for powerful evidence in court."

Robert Hunter White posted the video on his Facebook page and it's had almost 50,000 views and over 1,100 shares in two days.