Police Release Altercation Statement

WILDWOOD – Wildwood Police Department released an update concerning a video circulating on social media that appears to show a Wildwood police officer punch a man in the face, along with the arrest information as it pertains to the incident. 
Wildwood Police Department issued the following statement:
“When this video is viewed, the video is that of an officer utilizing force to overcome force used upon him. Should the investigation reveal that the officer’s use of force is deemed to have been excessive, then the officer will be held accountable for his actions.
“As with any use of force, regardless of the type of force utilized, the use of force is never pretty. We encourage our residents, visitors and anyone who has viewed or may view this video, not to rush to judgment too quickly, either upon the officer or the men and women serving on the Wildwood Police Department. There is a large amount of context that has not been displayed in this 18-second video clip and both the officer as well as Kevin Piccolo [the other man in the video] has the right to due process. We recognize that when this video is viewed by the public that it may be considered to some as disturbing.  
“Our police officers are sent out each and every day and perform a heroic job. All too often our officers are placed into tough and dangerous situations because of the nature of the job. As the chief of police, it is our policy that officers utilize no more force than reasonably necessary when affecting an arrest.
“This investigation has been turned over to the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office for investigation, as required for any allegation of excessive force by a police officer. Patrolman Lucas Bottoms has been removed from the street and placed into a restricted duty assignment. This assignment will allow him to assist with any walk-in complaints, information requests, etc., but this restriction prohibits his having direct contact with any prisoners while in police custody, pending the outcome of this investigation.   
“On June 17 at approximately 7:04 p.m. Patrolman Bottoms of the Wildwood Police Department, Uniformed Patrol Division was investigating the report of an individual causing a disturbance in the area of Roberts and New Jersey avenues, in the City of Wildwood. The individual, who was later identified as Piccolo, 55, from Pompton Plains, was refusing to comply with the officer’s commands through both verbal and physical obstruction. Piccolo was brought under control only after the officer was forced to escalate his force to that of striking Piccolo once, at which time he was taken into custody.
“We are thankful to Shaquana Howell, the individual responsible for uploading this video to social media. We also encourage others who may witness officers doing something that they believe to be inappropriate, and bring that information forward as well.
“Wildwood Police Department has always taken allegations of officer misconduct extremely serious. And this allegation will be investigated thoroughly to determine if the officer failed to act in accordance with the Department Policies and Procedures as well as the New Jersey Attorney General’s Guidelines on Use of Force. Every incident where force is used by a police officer of the Wildwood Police Department will be thoroughly investigated.
“Piccolo was charged with disorderly conduct, a disorderly persons offense, as well as resisting arrest, third degree. Piccolo is required to appear in court for his first appearance on July 7 at 10 a.m.
“Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for additional information regarding this incident as it becomes available.” 
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. This report is based on information received from law enforcement.