Police were 'unaware' of man's autism during controversial arrest that was caught on camera

Nearly a week after a controversial arrest was caught on camera on Locust Street, questions remain about the actions of the Rochester police officers involved.

The incident included the arrest of an 18-year-old man who, according to his mother, Stacy Hawkins, has autism and other medical conditions.

"He's intellectually disabled," Hawkins said. "He has what's called Brugada syndrome, which is a fatal heart condition, and he also has epilepsy and he's autistic."

The arrest occurred as officers were impounding a mini bike. The man was charged with menacing and resisting arrest after allegedly charging at an officer.

Carina Carey, who recorded the encounter, said bystanders informed officers of the man's autism during the incident.

"When cops were putting hands on her autistic son, we were saying he's autistic," Carey said.

Captain Greg Bello from the Rochester Police Department said officers were unaware of the man's autism at the time.

"It's unfortunate," he said. "I wish family members or people at the scene did know about him having autism or being in some sort of danger, rather than screaming and yelling at us for well over 10 minutes. Maybe they should have been helping him and deescalating him away from this situation."

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