Video accounts of an altercation at a local pool in Fairfield, Ohio, have sparked outrage over alleged excessive force used by police.
Around 3 p.m. on June 9, Krystal Dixon dropped off eight children at the Fairfield Aquatic Center before leaving to pick up her sister. After Dixon’s nephew was denied entry into the swimming pool because he was not properly dressed, the children called Dixon. According to Dixon’s account, she informed the group that she would bring a swimsuit to the children in about 10 minutes. When she arrived, staff members denied her family members entry into the pool area. While attempting to gather the group, Dixon claimed that she was followed by authorities. Within a few seconds, a conflict ensued. 

The video shows Dixon being grabbed by an officer. In the video, one girl can be heard screaming for the officer to release her mother. Dixon, who is six months pregnant, was arrested along other members of the group. A 12-year-old girl, who also suffered fractured bones, was charged with assault and resisting arrest. In addition, a 15-year-old girl was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
At the end of the encounter, Dixon was rushed to the hospital for evaluation. In addition, four other family members were sent to receive medical attention, including a teenage girl who was pepper sprayed.
Fairfield Police Chief Michael J. Dickey claims that the video only reinforces his opinion that the officers acted appropriately.

“All they are trying to do is calm everyone down,” Dickey said. “It’s just business.”

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(Photo: Cellphone video from Fairfield Aquatic Center)