Protest At Schenectady Police Headquarters Over Recent Video

Once again, local residents find themselves compelled to protest. Yesterday they were protesting against police brutality by the Schenectady Police Department.

On Monday night, approximately 100 protesters showed up at the Schenectady Police Department. Protesters were appalled at a recent video that surfaced showing an officer, once again, with his knee on someone’s neck.

Protesters were out in force in front of the Schenectady police station, demanding justice for 31-year-old Yugeshwar Gaindarpersaud.

The incident began around 9:38 p.m. in the area of Brandywine Ave. Gaindarpersaud’s neighbor contacted Schenectady police to investigate a report of tires slashed on their vehicle. The neighbors believed that Gaindarpersaud was responsible.

When the police officer attempted to restrain Gaindarpersaud, he ran into his backyard to flee from the officer. The officer chased Gaindarpersaud into the backyard and tried to restrain him. During the foot chase, the officer dropped his radio, so he asked witnesses to dial 911.

According to New 6, Gaindarpersaud’s father went out into his backyard and saw the officer trying to restrain his son. Mr. Gaindarpersaud (the father) said, “I see about five or six cops show up in my backyard. They all run up in my backyard without a warrant.“ The father then began to video the officer with his knee on his son's neck. The name of the officer involved in this incident has not been released at this time.

Yugeshwar Gaindarpersaud was eventually arrested and charged with Criminal Mischief and Resisting Arrest. Yugeshwar Gaindarpersaud said that he lost consciousness and does not remember anything until he woke up in the hospital.

Protesters are demanding justice for Gaindarpersaud. The protesters want the officer in question fired immediately. They vow to rally again on Monday, July 13. The organizers ask that anyone who is interested in attending the rally, meet outside the Schenectady library at 4 p.m.

It is good to see community leaders holding law-enforcement responsible for their actions. Police officers play an important role in society and they are here to protect and serve. They are not here to brutalize citizens of the community, even if those citizens are guilty of crimes.