Norristown officer hits naked man with police car; investigation underway

Norristown police SUV strikes naked man during response; officer on leave

Norristown police say an officer struck a naked man with a police vehicle while responding to reports of a person blocking traffic and damaging cars at Stanbridge and West Airy streets on Wednesday, Feb. 4. 

NORRISTOWN, Pa. - Norristown police say an officer struck a naked man with a police vehicle Wednesday morning after responding to multiple 911 calls about a man blocking traffic, damaging cars, and acting erratically at Stanbridge and West Airy streets. 

The incident, captured on witness video, is now under investigation by the Montgomery County Detective Bureau.

Police response and witness accounts after the man was struck 

What we know:

Police say they received several calls around 8:00 a.m. about a naked man standing in the intersection, vandalizing a parked car, and punching passing vehicles. 

Officers arrived and one officer, driving a police SUV with lights flashing, struck the man, according to witness video shared with FOX 29. 

"The events depicted in this video are very concerning and a full investigation is underway," said the Norristown Police Department. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave, and police say the man was detained and received medical attention at the scene. Chief Mike Trail of the Norristown Police Department said, "I will tell you that video shocked my conscious." 

Trail also confirmed that body camera, dash cam, street camera, Ring, and cell phone video will be reviewed as part of the investigation. 

Police say the investigation has been turned over to the Montgomery County Detective Bureau due to the alleged use of force. 

An internal investigation will also follow to determine if the officer’s actions align with department policy. 

Community members and witnesses react to the incident 

What they're saying:

Emotions remain high in Norristown after the incident. Thomas Prince, who witnessed the event, said, "We just heard the thud like the way he hit him, was like was out of pocket, man." Prince added, "The way he flew in the air like that like come on man, we don’t do stuff like that." 

Don Bacon, another resident, said, "The gentleman I put that mildly was walking down the middle of the street. Wake up. Wake the F up." Bacon later added, "I think it was an error in judgment that’s my personal belief. I don’t think the officer meant to be vindictive at all." 

George Coldren, also of Norristown, said, "No matter how bad the person might’ve been doing, slapping cars or whatever they say he was doing, sorry I’m sorry for the guy and I’m sorry for the cop that didn’t see him and ran into him and now he’s got a lot of answering to do." 

Brissia Castillo said, "Yeah it’s very sad. I mean, they should raise more awareness." 

Thomas Prince also said, "That wasn’t cool at all that man ain’t do nothing. Yeah he was standing in the middle of the street. Maybe he was mental breakdown or something. You never know he just hit him with the car y’all could’ve tased him." 

Police say anyone with information or video of the incident should contact the Montgomery County Detective Bureau at 610-278-3368. 

Timeline:

Norristown Police Chief Mike Trail said after reviewing video of the incident, he personally reached out to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office to coordinate a use of force investigation. 

The case was quickly turned over to the Montgomery County Detective Bureau. 

An internal investigation by Norristown police will also follow to determine if the officer’s actions were justified under department policy. 

The officer remains on paid administrative leave, and the department has emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability. 

Many in the community are hoping the man struck will make a full recovery and receive additional support. 

What we don't know:

Police have not released the names of the officer or the man involved. 

Details about the man’s current condition have not been provided.

It is also unclear what led to the man’s behavior before officers arrived.