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Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley is defending the actions of deputies who handcuffed an 11-year-old girl in Syracuse earlier this week. The incident occurred on Monday (January 13) when deputies detained the girl, believing she matched the description of a suspect involved in a vehicle theft. The girl was wearing a pink jacket and camouflage pants, similar to the description of a suspect seen fleeing a stolen Kia.
The girl was held for about seven minutes before deputies realized their mistake and released her with an apology. A video of the incident, captured by the girl's cousin, shows the deputies questioning her and accusing her of lying about her identity. The deputies later acknowledged the error, noting differences in hair length and skin complexion between the girl and the suspect in a photo they had.
Sheriff Shelley described the deputies' actions as "good police work" and emphasized the importance of public compliance during investigations. He explained that handcuffing is a standard procedure to maintain control and prevent potential altercations, especially when dealing with juveniles who might be armed or possess contraband.
The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with Syracuse Common Councilor Rasheada Caldwell and the local National Action Network expressing their concerns. The girl's mother, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that her daughter is now afraid to walk to and from school.
In response to the incident, the sheriff's office announced a new policy requiring deputies to notify a parent or guardian whenever a juvenile is detained, regardless of whether an arrest is made. The policy change aims to improve communication with families during such situations.