A civil rights group says a police investigation clears officers of any culpability in the Ricky Bryant case, and reaching that conclusion is disgraceful, unjust, and a blatant cover-up.
That's according to United Christian Leadership Ministry President Rev. Lewis Stewart.
The family of Ricky Bryant says he was on his bike last summer when police stopped him, and punched him, injuring his eye.
They also say that police fired pepper balls at Bryant and used a Taser.
Rev. Stewart says the police involved are not even charged with a crime in which they were the perpetrators and Ricky Bryant was the victim.
"No cops are being held accountable for this act. They take no responsibility. There is no apology," he said.
In a letter to the Bryant family, Police Chief Mike Ciminelli said most of the allegations were unprovable or unfounded.
Lawyer for the family, Charles Burkwit, says they have an eyewitness admitting he saw the force that was used on Bryant, and Bryant was taken into police custody and released with injuries.
"So it doesn't make any sense that the chief of police can now conclude that the allegation that Mr. Bryant was punched or kicked is unprovable," he said.
Two allegations were sustained: officers pepper sprayed Bryant and officers failed to properly utilize their body worn cameras.
United Christian Leadership Ministry is demanding the Monroe County District attorney's office investigate the incident.
They are also calling for the formation of a Police Accountability Board, and punishment for police officers who engaged in misconduct.
An RPD spokesperson told WXXI the department is unable to speak about this case at this time, due to pending litigation and pending disciplinary action.
WXXI also reached out to the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office for comment, as well.
Here’s Rev. Stewart who says police are the perpetrators and Ricky Bryant was the victim: