Officer Riviere in Baltimore

This is Officer Riviere in Baltimore teaching teenagers how to be a bully. (3.5 minutes)



UPDATE

Officer Suspended After Appearing In YouTube Video

February 12, 2008

A 17-year veteran of the Baltimore police force has been suspended with pay pending an internal investigation of his actions involving a 14-year-old skateboarder at Baltimore's Inner Harbor.

The confrontation occurred this past summer and was captured on a video camera by the young man's friend, who just sent it to YouTube, where it is now posted.

In the video, Officer Salvatore Rivieri tells the boy that skateboarding is illegal. The officer becomes angry when the boy says, "I didn't do anything wrong, dude."

Officer Rivieri is seen grabbing the skateboard and pushing the boy to the ground.

"The police commissioner and the mayor and the top command staff saw the video this morning and are disappointed. The officer has been suspended with pay, pending an internal investigation," Sterling Clifford told Richard Sher.

In an exclusive interview with Eyewitness News, 14-year-old Eric Bush told Richard Sher, "He was just like up in my face yelling at me. Then he tackled me."

He continued, "It was scary, because I have diabetes and my blood sugar went crazy 'cause he scared me."

"I called to file a complaint but was told the supervisor was on vacation and would call me when he returned. He never did," Eric's mother, Peggy Miller, said.