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Residents urge accountability after video of Kevin Sparks’ arrest; mayor says investigation underway
Summary
Dozens of public commenters called for police reform, adoption of DOJ model use-of-force policy, a civilian review board and transparent investigations after circulated video showing police striking and restraining Kevin Sparks; mayor and chief say a local investigation is underway and the administration pledged a report when complete.
A wave of public testimony at Erie’s July 1 council meeting centered on a recent video showing the arrest of Kevin Sparks and prompted repeated calls for policy change, independent oversight and prompt transparency from city leaders.
Speakers representing clergy, community groups and relatives described the tape and urged action. Bishop John Crosby, who said he is Kevin Sparks’s uncle, described a phone call from his nephew and recounted what the family had seen: "He said, 'Uncle John, I was just laying there. I was not resisting anything that they were saying, but they jumped on me on the ground as you can see in the video.'" Several speakers called the incident excessive and compared it to past deaths in Erie.
"We got to do better," said Mal, a longtime resident, describing the emotional toll on the community and calling for systemic change. Danielle Randall, who works with young people, told council that her students asked her how to keep themselves safe from the police: "Wearing that badge does not grant immunity," she said. Other commenters urged council to adopt the Department of Justice model use-of-force policy, create a civilian review board, and implement training and de‑escalation standards.
Scott McDow, corporate news director for Lily Broadcasting and Erie News Now, said his organization had an employee who felt demeaned while covering prior council sessions and urged the council to adopt or strengthen a code of conduct for interactions with media.
Mayor Develin said the chief of police opened an investigation shortly after the incident was reported; she told council the city initiated an internal review before a formal complaint was filed and pledged that city leadership will release a report when that investigation concludes. The mayor confirmed publicly that the officer involved had not been suspended at the time of the meeting but acknowledged community concern and said she would raise councilors’ questions with the chief and command staff.
Council members and the mayor discussed relaunching or retooling the city’s public SPCP (Strengthening Police and Community Partnerships) process and agreed the model may need updating to fit current community expectations.
The meeting did not produce immediate disciplinary announcements; attendees pressed council and the administration for a timeline and a publicly accessible summary of investigative findings and any resulting policy changes.
