South Bend Leaders Confront Viral Police Incident with Teen Girl

A Video Sparks Outrage and Calls for Transparency

A video circulating online showing a South Bend police officer detaining a teenage girl has sparked widespread attention, prompting reactions from city officials, local organizations, and even the fast-food chain at the center of the incident. The clip, which has been shared widely on social media, shows a 14-year-old girl being held face-down by an officer near a McDonald’s location on N. Michigan Street.

The footage captures the girl screaming that she didn’t do anything and is not trying to run. She asks the officer to call her mother, and in response, the officer says he will take her to her mother while instructing her to put her hands behind her back. A third individual, not wearing a uniform, appears to assist in subduing the girl before the video ends. The identity of this person remains unclear, and it is unknown whether they are part of the ongoing investigation.

The officer involved in the incident has not yet been identified, but South Bend Mayor James Mueller stated that the officer is still on active duty. The girl’s mother, who declined an on-camera interview, confirmed she has hired an attorney to handle the matter. She also mentioned that no investigator has reached out to her directly as of Monday afternoon.

City Officials Respond

Mayor Mueller addressed the video during a “non-formal” news conference, emphasizing the importance of de-escalation tactics within the police department. He noted that when force is used, it is always a concern and that the department prioritizes training officers to use only the minimum force necessary.

Mueller also announced that the incident is undergoing a multi-layered review process and that more information will be released as it becomes available. He urged the community to remain calm and patient while the investigation continues, stressing the need to gather all facts before forming opinions.

The South Bend Common Council issued a statement expressing concern over the incident and confirming that the police department is conducting a thorough investigation. The council also mentioned that the police chief has indicated that body camera footage will be released as soon as possible.

Police Department’s Statement

South Bend Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski released a statement saying the department is actively gathering facts and evidence related to the incident. He emphasized that the department follows a multi-layered review process for all use-of-force cases and will release additional details, including body camera footage, when available.

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #36, representing some South Bend police officers, responded by stating that the juvenile was taken to the ground for refusing to comply with the officer. They claimed the officer did not punch, kick, or strike the girl and that she was eventually released to a guardian. However, the full body camera video has not been released, so these claims remain unverified.

Local Groups Speak Out

Black Lives Matter South Bend expressed deep concern over the incident, calling attention to the troubling relationship between law enforcement and Black youth. They claim the girl had requested a refund at McDonald’s and did not commit a crime. The group is also calling for the repeal of a new ordinance that increases fees for accessing police body camera and dashboard camera footage.

In a statement, Black Lives Matter South Bend said the incident highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability. They called on the police department and city officials to:

• Immediately release the officer’s body camera footage.
• Conduct a full, independent investigation into the circumstances of the girl’s detention.
• Repeal the newly-enacted ordinance restricting access to police video evidence and commit to reform toward transparency and accountability.

Trina Robinson, leader of the South Bend branch of the NAACP, echoed these concerns, stating that trust between the community and law enforcement has been damaged over time and must be rebuilt.

McDonald’s Response

WNDU 16 News Now contacted McDonald’s for a statement and video footage from the incident but received no response. The company reportedly said that the South Bend Police Department is handling all communication regarding the situation.

As the investigation continues, the community awaits further details and calls for transparency and accountability from city officials and law enforcement.