SEQUIM –– Morgan Weimer, the man shown being punched by police in an online video shot outside The Oasis Bar and Grill early Sunday, said he has filed a formal complaint of misconduct against the officers in the video.
“I just want somebody to take a look at this,” Weimer said.
Police did not return several phone calls from the Peninsula Daily News for confirmation, nor had they responded to the PDN’s public records request to review the complaint as of Thursday afternoon.
Weimer was cited Tuesday for fourth-degree assault against Kristopher Boynton, 31, and resisting arrest stemming from the incident, which was recorded by an eyewitness’ cellphone and seen by thousands online.
Both are misdemeanors.
The video shows Officer Grant Dennis delivering a series of blows to Weimer’s backside as he was forced by Dennis and other officers face down in a planter box outside the Oasis, 301 E. Washington St., which was hosting a punk-rock concert inside.
Weimer claimed he was not the one who started the altercation.
“They were carrying me out, and I just remember trying to tell them, ‘It wasn’t me, it wasn’t me — that’s the guy that started it,’” he said.
According to Weimer’s account, Boynton bumped into him in the crowded bar and then began to taunt Weimer and a friend for the next several minutes.
“They just kept up in my ear, saying they were going to get me,” Weimer said.
“I threw a . . . like a ‘back-off’ elbow, and then the cops came in and grabbed me.”
Weimer’s citation orders him to appear in Clallam County District Court in Port Angeles for a first appearance on the charges at 1:30 p.m. May 30.
The city’s municipal cases are heard in District Court.
Police Chief Bill Dickinson said Monday that he had ordered an investigation into his officers’ conduct. The officers are still on duty.
The chief also expressed support for the officers, saying they used necessary force to arrest Weimer, whom they said was resisting arrest.
Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Joe Smillie can be reached at 360-681-2390, ext. 5052, or at jsmillie@peninsuladailynews.com.
