The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is conducting an internal investigation after a video surfaced showing an officer lighting a cigar while straddling a suspect who was under arrest. The incident occurred at the Marquee Lounge on Locust Street, where the officer was working a secondary job. The suspect was asked to leave the establishment by staff.
Rev. Rodrick Burton, from the St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition, expressed concern over the officer’s actions, stating that it sends a negative message to the community. The video, originally shared on the Instagram channel Voice of the People News, shows the officer attempting to light a cigar while the suspect is restrained on the ground.
The video has gained significant attention, with nearly a quarter of a million views on Instagram. The SLMPD’s Public Affairs and Information Division is aware of the situation and has launched an internal investigation to determine the events leading up to the incident and its aftermath.
The suspect involved in the incident was charged with trespassing and resisting arrest. The SLMPD confirms that some officers present at the scene were wearing body cameras, allowing for the footage to be obtained through a FOIA request. City ordinances prohibit smoking in public or non-public areas owned by the City of St. Louis, but do not specifically address officers smoking while on duty.
