CHESTERFIELD, Va. (AP) — A judge has ruled that a Virginia police department is not required to publicly release body camera footage from a controversial traffic stop.
The judge said the footage is considered part of a criminal investigation and falls under an exemption in Virginian’s Freedom of Information law.
The ruling came after Chesterfield police denied Reason magazine’s request for a copy of the footage. Police also denied a request from The Associated Press.
Police invited reporters to view the video at headquarters.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports the footage shows a car pulled over after rolling through a red light. Asked if he has anything illegal, the driver says he has a knife and starts to reach for it. An officer then aims his gun at him.
No shots were fired and no charges were filed.
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Information from: Richmond Times-Dispatch, http://www.richmond.com
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