[imc-st.louis] County Police Officer Charged with Assault

[Civilian Oversight Board Campaign]

The Coalition Against Police Crimes and Repression has written the following Press Statement in response to a St. Louis County police officer's actions. The inadequate response of St. Louis County needs to be brought to light. Since the Press Release, County police have refused to meet with us, citing Department policy not to discuss ongoing investigations. We are considering our next step. Stay tuned. The link to the Post Dispatch article about this incident is http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/D6EF62E14BC0562A862574200012D6AB?OpenDocument

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Press Statement
Coalition Against Police Crimes and Repression
April 3, 2008
Contact: John Chasnoff 413-0454


The Coalition Against Police Crimes and Repression is seriously concerned that a County police officer remains on duty despite charges of assault. City prosecutors have charged Ryan O’Conner with pointing his weapon at an innocent parking attendant. The attendant had merely told the off duty officer that he could not park in a restricted zone during the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Allegations of racial slurs have also been made. Clearly this officer’s out-of-control temper puts citizens at risk.

Does the County not have confidence in the judgment of the city’s Circuit Attorney?

At the very least this officer should be placed on desk duty or suspended until the County Police have completed their own investigation. To do any less is to ignore the safety and well being of our citizens.

The racial overtones of this case can also not be ignored. It should be unacceptable behavior for any officer to exhibit the biases which Officer O’Conner indulged in. When will the police departments of this metropolitan area be willing to stand up for the impartial administration of justice by setting the standard that such language will not be tolerated?

We are further concerned that rules are being bent to protect Officer O’Conner. His father is Police Chief of Maryland Heights, and must therefore have a close relationship with County officers. Specifically, the elder O’Conner is reported to have ties to County Police Chief Jerry Lee. Colonel Lee should recuse himself from any involvement in this case, and the County Police Board must step up to the plate to guarantee the integrity of this investigation and the County Police as a whole.

Our organization will immediately seek a meeting with County Police officials in an effort to make sure that this case is handled appropriately from here on out.

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