ANNAPOLIS, Md. — An internal review of a caught-on-video fight involving Annapolis police officers trying to break up a melee has cleared the officers of any wrongdoing, according to a statement issued by Mayor Gavin Buckley.
"The Annapolis Police Internal Affairs Division has determined, and all evidence is in agreement, that the officers acted appropriately," Buckely wrote.
The video shows officers attempting to break up a fight at the Harbour House apartments Sunday evening.
Officers grappled with individuals as they tried to control the situation. One of the officers used pepper spray and brandished a taser to stop the melee as attackers appeared to be assaulting individuals the police were trying to arrest.
"I strongly support the police officers in doing their job," Buckley said in his statement Thursday. "I thank the chief for quickly conducting the investigation and delivering a conclusion to my office."
The police department will be offering mediation to the families involved in the April 14th fight through the department's Community Services Division.
Buckley's initial statement said he was "very concerned" about what he saw on the video and announced police would conduct a review.
Many people interpreted Buckley's first statement as questioning police, and sharply criticized the politician in an avalanche of social media posts.
The police department did not receive any complaints about officer misconduct during the incident.
Police arrested three people, including a juvenile, and charged them with offenses ranging from second-degree assault to disorderly conduct.
No one was injured in the incident.
In addition to the bystander video posted on social media, body camera videos from both officers were reviewed by police.