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A spirit that is not afraid

Police department under fire over an allegedly unjustified arrest

Rico Cobb, along with many of his family members, addressed the council during citizens communication about issues they have with members of the police department.
Rico's mother, Louise, presented the family's issue regarding a disagreement about Rico's recent arrest and the police division's actions leading up to it.
The family said they believed Rico did nothing wrong and the arrest was unwarranted.
Rico was allegedly in his car in front of his mother's home at 1366 Kurt Circle, after returning from his son's basketball game, when a police officer tapped on his window.
"I was just charging my phone in my car, and the police came up and asked if I had any weapons in the car," Rico said. "I said no, gave him my license- which came up clear- and they harassed me."
Rico also said the police then made him step out of the car while they performed a search of the vehicle, which Rico first refused, but then agreed.
The police searched Rico, digging through his pockets to which he described as someone taking his rights from him.
He claimed his only weapon was a knife from his work at a tree-hauling service.
After another officer arrived with a canine, the police took Rico by the arms to detain him, according to Rico.
"That's when I slid out of my jacket and took off running," Rico said.
He found a nearby neighbor and was taken to the hospital.
He suffered a broken collarbone, accentuated by the full sling he wore during the meeting.
Louise said she recalled the police invading her backyard and bringing a dog into her home after she agreed to let the police search.
"They were searching for marijuana in my house after they said they could smell it on my son's clothes," Louise said. "I told them I don't let dope in my house, and my son doesn't do that."
Louise said she wanted a way to stop the police from returning to her home day after day.
City Manager Charlie Duggan scheduled an appointment with the Cobbs Thursday to sit down with the police and understand what happened.
"Since there is a case pending against him, we cannot comment," Duggan said. "But he does have a lengthy police record."
Councilmember Arthur Dowdell spoke on behalf of Rico, believing him to be a changed man.
"I spoke to the past Police Chief Dawson, and he says the police need to use a common sense method," Dowdell said. "And I agree."
Repeated attempts to contact the Auburn Police Division were unsuccessful.
Other council news reviewed two alcohol licenses and other city ordinances.


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