"FACING CONFLICT" (Update on the Incident outside E.F Smith School, in York):

To ALL it may concern:

I know I can't always give everyone the answers and the outcomes they want to see; but I can always give people "truth and transparency" (to the best of my abilities):

🔸After being contacted by numerous concerned community members, as much of the incident and confrontation between the Parents ("Parent-A": the woman taken into custody by officers, and "Parent -B": the woman initially released from the scene) had been captured during a live social media video, and viewed by many. With numerous questions and allegations surrounding "a firearm being displayed" during the encounter (outside of a school), I ordered the incident re-assessed by Investigators, and the results to be sent to the York County District Attorney's Office (as the overseeing body for both agencies) for further review.

[Follow-up & Review]

*Following the initial response:

🔸"Parent-B" (the women who had been initially released from the scene) contacted our Department, and made herself available for questioning

🔸During the interview and follow-up investigation,  Investigators established that: she ("Parent-B") did have a firearm during the incident, she did possess a valid permit to carry, and (from careful study of the video) she had displayed the firearm during the encounter

🔸"Parent-B", was remorseful, and stated, while she took action for her safety, her behavior leading up to it was somewhat regrettable. The interview concluded with her being advised the entirety of the issue (with all collected evidence and statements) would be sent  to the District Attorney for final review and determination on any additional charges.

🔸"Parent-A", was subsequently "released on her own recognizance", while awaiting further review by the DA's Office and her day in court (on the charges deemed appropriate)

🔸My agency (the York City Police Department) then continued to work with the School District Police (through the remainder of the day), to assure that the situation was settled, evaluate the joint response, gather further evidence, and maintain order at the campus.

[Follow-up with the DA]
🔸We then worked extensively with the DA's Office to review the case, and make a determination on charges

🔸The information was explained, and all relevant evidence presented (to include: the Social media video, isolated photos of the gun, BWC video,  surveillance footage, and related statements), and the DA's Office subsequently determined (after review of the facts and applicable laws and statutes) ~ Given the circumstances "Parent-B" (the women who stayed in the car) was within her rights to possess the firearm and display it to protect herself.

With no charges to be pressed against "Parent-B", for the altercation or the possession of the weapon.

And the charges brought that day against "Parent-A" (the women taken into custody at the scene) were to remain.

*Note: Per the York County District Attorney's Office, it should be understood that ALL individual's are presumed innocent until proven guilty--and being charged is not a conviction. 

[In Conclusion]

So, at this point, having done ALL we can, it's time to allow the situation to go in front of the Judge (as the "finders of fact") to hear and resolve the matter.

And for now, I will continue to Keep My FOCUS: On Our Kids ~ As I am so very thankful the Child is Safe... On Our Community ~ As I am ever appreciative that WE ("you and I") have the kind of relationship that allows People to come to me... On a York County  System that leaves a little room for Empathy ~ as we were able to make sure the Matter was given all due attention, care, and consideration... and On the Individuals involved ~ as Everyone Lived to discuss the matter another day. 

And sometimes that's all we can ask.

So, with ALL that said: 
While my heart goes out to everyone involved... that Child, both of these Parents (who are now dealing with all the fallout from the incident), the Officers, my District Leaders (who had to manage the ordeal on Friday, and try to pick up the pieces tomorrow), and everyone who witnessed or was impacted by this disturbance...

I'm encouraged knowing, WE are a resilient Community, with a resilient School District, and I'm CERTAIN we're ALL going to learn and grow from this!

Respectfully,

Michael Muldrow,
Commissioner York City PD