Incident at local hookah lounge leads to investigation of Bainbridge public safety officials – The Post-Searchlight

Chaotic scenes unfolded outside Off the Hookah Lounge on Saturday night. Viral videos were posted on social media showing Bainbridge Public Safety officers surrounded by a crowd, with one officer brandishing a taser and yelling and cursing at the crowd.

Captain Ryan Wimberly of the BPS Office of Professional Standards and Training told the Post-Searchlight that officers had been on the scene for over an hour, attempting to disperse a large crowd. Neighbors of the lounge had previously complained at city council meetings that nearby patrons were disruptive, drunk and sometimes lewd, prompting Bainbridge Public Safety to increase its presence.

According to Wimberly, a fight broke out while officers were on scene. During the commotion, officers were threatened and one person grabbed one of the officers, leading to the profanity-laced incident captured on film. Some citizens present have filed complaints; in an interview with WALB, local resident Calliayh Calloway called the officer's comments and behavior “inappropriate.”

The incident is currently under investigation by Bainbridge Public Safety. While Wimberly said the incident was not entirely one-sided, he explained that the officer “lost his temper.” “I'm not trying to excuse my officer,” he said. No decision has been made at this time.

Post Searchlight will provide updates on this case as they become available.