Michigan police recently unveiled body camera footage, capturing an officer’s interrogation of two individuals embroiled in a skirmish during a state Republican committee meeting in July.
The altercation involved 63-year-old conservative activist James F. Chapman and Clare County Republican Party Chairman Mark L. DeYoung. This incident reportedly transpired on July 8 after Chapman found himself barred from a state Republican executive committee gathering at the Doherty Hotel. Officials granted MLive access to the footage, which showcased the men’s interaction with law enforcement.
“They got a bunch of us locked out in the hallway. So I’m trying to listen to the meeting up against the only windowed door. And this guy comes up the door and accuses me of f–king with the door,” Chapman said. “And I said no, get outta here!”
Chapman continued, detailing how DeYoung allegedly threatened him with the words, “I’ll kick your ass.” Chapman retorted, “‘Come on outside and do it.’”
“He came out the door and started to do it! I barely had time to take my glasses off and fling them down the hallway,” Chapman told the officer.
The officer probed Chapman about his decision to remove his glasses.
“I knew I was in a fight and I can’t afford it,” Chapman answered.
The officer, displaying a hint of skepticism, later inquired, “Do we think that was the way to handle ourselves today?”
“I know of no other way to handle myself,” Chapman replied.
Watch:
Accounts-from-activist-GOP-chair-allegedly-involved-in-fight
Subsequent to this, the officer ventured into the hotel to question DeYoung. DeYoung accused Chapman of unprovoked aggression, alleging that Chapman kicked him in the groin and tackled him. DeYoung’s injuries, as reported by MLive, included broken dentures, stress fractures in his spine, and bruised ribs. He vehemently refuted Chapman’s assertion that he initiated the altercation or made any threatening statements.
The aftermath of this incident saw Chapman facing charges for two misdemeanors: assault and battery and disturbing the peace, as reported by MLive.
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