A troubling security video showing six police officers dragging a 71-year-old man out of a government facility has sparked widespread outrage and prompted an internal investigation within the department.
The confrontation occurred in Portland, Oregon, when the elderly man, identified as Charles Reynolds, visited a municipal office to submit a complaint about property damage. What began as a heated exchange reportedly escalated after staff called for security assistance, resulting in an encounter now drawing sharp criticism of the officers’ conduct.
Footage circulating online shows Mr. Reynolds near the building’s entrance — visibly upset but not aggressive. Moments later, several officers approach him. The situation quickly intensifies as one officer grabs his arm and others close in, ultimately pulling the man through the doorway and onto the sidewalk.
Onlookers can be heard shouting for the officers to “stop” and “take it easy.” One witness later told local media the man had “just raised his voice out of frustration” and wasn’t being violent. “He was angry because no one would listen,” the witness said. “Then suddenly six officers were on him. It was hard to watch.”
In a statement, police officials described the event as “a minimal use of force to remove a non-compliant individual,” wording that has only deepened community criticism.
“The community deserves transparency,” said attorney Rebecca Hall, who has offered to represent the Reynolds family. “This wasn’t an arrest — it was a senior citizen being humiliated and manhandled for expressing frustration. It’s indefensible.”
Mr. Reynolds was treated at a nearby hospital for mild bruising and elevated blood pressure and was released later that day. His daughter, Lydia Reynolds, said her father has lived in the neighborhood for over four decades and always respected the police. “He’s never even had a parking ticket,” she said tearfully. “Now he’s scared to go back to city hall.”
The department confirmed that all six officers involved have been placed under internal review, and body-worn camera footage has been forwarded to the district attorney’s office for assessment.
Community advocates are now demanding improved de-escalation training and stronger accountability measures. “We’re witnessing the same pattern again and again,” said activist Marcus Lee, president of the Portland Civil Rights Coalition. “If six trained officers can’t calmly handle one elderly man, that points to a systemic problem.”
The video has since gone viral, viewed millions of times across social media platforms and drawing countless comments calling for justice.
“No one’s grandfather should be treated like that,” one commenter wrote.
Another added, “That’s not an escort — it’s abuse, plain and simple.”
The Reynolds family has filed a formal complaint, and the mayor’s office has pledged a complete and transparent investigation.
“We expect professionalism, restraint, and empathy from our officers,” the mayor’s statement read. “This matter will be addressed with full seriousness.”
For many in the community, though, the video itself says it all — serving as a painful reminder of how quickly public trust in law enforcement can erode.
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