NEW BERN, N.C. (WITN) – An administrative review is underway after a man was injured in New Bern after his vehicle was stopped for a license plate violation.
New Bern police charged Elgin Britt with resist, obstruct, and delay, assault on a government official, and license plate frame/cover violation.
The 56-year-old man ended up in the hospital after a vehicle stop by police on 1st Avenue around 3:45 p.m. Tuesday.
Police say Britt got out of his vehicle and “immediately became argumentative with the officer.” They say the officer told Britt why he was stopped, but the man refused to provide his driver’s license.
Police say the man refused to comply with the officer’s lawful commands, and continued to walk around the vehicle in a disorderly manner.
After telling Britt six times to stand behind the vehicle, police say the officer placed his left hand on Britt’s right shoulder “in an attempt to guide him into compliance.”
Britt slapped the officer’s hand away, and resisted attempts to handcuff the man, according to a news release.
A second officer arrived and helped take Britt to the ground where he was handcuffed, police say.
Police say the man showed no signs of injury, but later complained of leg pain when at the police department. They say he was taken to the hospital for treatment.
In response to concerns by citizens over the arrest, in an email City Manager Foster Hughes said there was an administrative review underway of Britt’s arrest.
“While I cannot comment on specific personnel decisions during an active investigation, please be assured that the process is taken seriously and handled appropriately,” the city manager said.
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