PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — A group calling itself Tyrant Alert posted a YouTube video claiming to show the use of excessive force by a Pierce County Sheriff’s Office deputy. But investigators with the Sheriff's Office said there is more to the story than what is shown in the post.
The video shows deputies arresting a man during a warrant service at the Patient’s Cannabis Exchange in Parkland on Feb. 17. The exchange operated as a medical marijuana “farmers market” but was unlicensed, according to a warrant.
In the video, a man is heard narrating as deputies approach.
“These people are the ones taking from the sick,” the man says in the video as a deputy walks toward him.
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He then begins talking with the deputy. “What? I’m allowed to do this,” he says. “You know what, you can go in handcuffs,” the deputy says.
The man answers, “I’ve never done anything in my life, sir."
Sheriff’s Office spokesman Detective Ed Troyer said the man recording the arrests was considered a possible suspect who acted as a lookout for the illegal pot-selling operation and was ignoring a lawful order to remain seated while he was being detained during the raid.
“Our deputy doesn't seem so much really concerned about the filming, even though the video may show that,” Troyer said. “He’s more concerned about one of the suspects running amok.”
KIRO 7 first reported the raid at the Patient Cannabis Exchange on Monday after talking with Nancy, who asked that her face not be shown and that we only use her first name.
Nancy said she was a customer at the so-called "farmer's market" for cannabis. She was detained but not arrested during the raid.
“There were people that were led out in handcuffs,” said Nancy. “And then the rest of us just sat there on the floor and waited.”
In the audio recorded during the confrontation, the man told deputies he was not recording them as he was placed in handcuffs.
“Damn! I’m putting the phone away. I’m putting it away. I’m putting it away,” can be heard on the recording. “You’re hurting me,” the man said to the deputy. He claims he isn't recording, and the deputy says, “I saw you." The man answers, “I didn't’t even have the camera on.”
Investigators claimed the video doesn't show the man interfering as they tried to detain and question more than 70 people. The man told deputies his name was Jay T. McNeal, although he had no identification to prove that.
Investigators said McNeal changed his attitude toward the law enforcement officers once the handcuffs were removed and he was told he wouldn't be arrested.
“In fact, he actually started helping us talk to customers there were coming, and directing traffic," said Troyer.
Only one person was arrested in the raid. According to court documents, Portland resident Roele Cruz told investigators the Patient Cannabis Exchange didn't’t sell marijuana, but handed it out free in exchange for donations.
The deputy in the video has been placed on administrative duty as a precaution due to online reaction to the video.
Troyer said the move was not punishment, but was made in the interest of the deputy's safety.
Cox Media Group
