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Saturday night saw a chaotic scene unfold in front of the Off the Hookah Lounge establishment, with viral videos posted to social media showing Bainbridge Public Safety Officers surrounded by a crowd, with one officer brandishing a taser, yelling and cursing at the crowd.

Captain Ryan Wimberly, with the BPS Office of Professional Standards and Training, told the Post-Searchlight that officers had been on the scene for over an hour, attempting to clear a large crowd out. Neighbors of the Lounge have previously made complaints at city government meetings about the patrons being disruptive, intoxicated, and sometimes indecent in the vicinity, with Bainbridge Public Safety increasing their presence.

According to Wimberly, while the officers were on the scene, a fight broke out, and during the commotion, threats were made against the officers, and one individual grabbed one of the officers, resulting in the swearing incident caught on film. Some citizens present have filed complaints; in an interview with WALB, resident Calliayh Calloway described the officer’s remarks and behavior as “uncalled for”.

The incident is currently under investigation by Bainbridge Public Safety. While saying the event was not purely one-sided, Wimberly stated that the officer “lost his cool”. “I’m not making excuses for my officer,” he said. No decision has been reached at this time.

The Post-Searchlight will provide updates on this case as they become available.