Gregg Wilson, a Grapeseed resident, claims he has become a victim of police negligence after a recent incident involving the Senora Valley Police Department. While smoking marijuana under a wooden bridge off Main St., Wilson alleges that a police patrol car drove over the structure, causing a loose board to strike him on the head.
Wilson states that, rather than attending to his injuries, the responding officer attempted to charge him with drug offenses for possessing a “small amount” of marijuana.
“Does that say community-oriented policing to you? Because to me, all I see are bullies who are no better than gangsters with badges,” Wilson expressed in a statement to Weazel News.
After the incident, Wilson’s friend R.J. Gomez drove him to a nearby hospital to seek emergency care, where he was treated for a concussion. Following his medical care, the pair visited a local SVPD station to file a Freedom of Information Act request for the involved officer’s body camera footage, which Wilson believes would support his insurance claim. However, he claims the department has dismissed his request for the footage, leaving him frustrated and unsupported.
“I was practically told to kick rocks,” Wilson recounted. “Now I’m left with a throbbing headache and hospital bills I can’t afford. The police department is practically taking food out of my kids’ mouths to cover up the negligence of one of their own,” he said.
Photos taken at the scene show the area under the bridge, with Gomez pointing out the loose board that struck Wilson in the head.
Community members are now questioning the department’s practices and accountability in light of this incident.
“This is unacceptable behavior from a police officer. They are here to help the public, not hurt them. That officer needs to resign immediately,” community advocate William Jackson told Weazel News.
As the situation unfolds, Wilson is seeking justice and greater transparency from the SVPD regarding handling his case and its officers' actions.
The Senora Valley Police Department issued a statement, after our initial report, saying that they have been made aware of the alleged incident and have an open investigation. Officials are expected to share additional information regarding the incident in the coming days.
“We want residents to feel safe and served by our department,” a Spokesperson for the department said in a news release
This story is developing…
