Binghamton Police Officer on Desk Duty During Investigation

A police officer being investigated for his actions during a New Year's Day arrest in downtown Binghamton has been assigned to desk duty.

A 24-year-old man filed a complaint on Monday with the city police department regarding the officer's actions.

Video clips posted online appear to show an officer kneeling on the man's neck near State and Hawley streets, a short distance from the police station.

Police chief Joseph Zikuski Friday morning released a statement about the department's investigation into the complaint.

Zikuski said the agency "continues its investigation into a personnel complaint made Monday" regarding the arrest that was made on State Street on January 1.

The police chief wrote: "The officer who is the subject of the complaint will remain on desk duty, pending the results of the investigation."

Zikuski's statement indicated the man "was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest" around 3:20 a.m. on New Year's Day. He said the arrest followed a fight involving "multiple people."

The chief noted two other people "were arrested as part of the altercation."

Zikuski said the departmental investigation includes a review of "all available footage of the arrest." He said several bystanders were seen using cellphones to record what was going on at the time.

The police chief asked that anyone with video or photos of the incident to contact the department at (607) 772-7091.

Zikuski's statement said "it is vital that investigators have all available footage in determining facts in this matter."

Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham on Monday issued a statement to news organizations indicating the incident would be "swiftly and thoroughly investigated to determine facts, including review of body camera footage"

Video recordings from the body-worn cameras used by police officers have not been released by the city.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.