Rochester Police Department Media Release

Office of the Chief: La’Ron D. Singletary 185 Exchange Boulevard

Rochester Police Department

For Immediate Release:

Rochester, NY (May 18, 2020) – On May 17, 2020, Having received inquiries regarding a
facebook post of a 10 year old female who had been handcuffed during a traffic stop over the
weekend, the RPD has looked into the incident and we’re providing the following information:

The initial traffic stop was the result of the vehicle having an expired inspection from
September, 2018. Furthermore, the vehicle did not have a front license plate which is also a
violation of NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law. The driver refused to provide proof of a valid driver’s
license when requested by officers. During the course of the investigation it was determined
that the vehicle would be towed and the occupants were asked to exit the vehicle.

The occupants of the vehicle claimed to be of sovereign citizen status, where they do not
recognize the rules of our society. They refused to cooperate with officers and asked for a
supervisor. Per policy, the officers requested a supervisor to the scene and a sergeant
responded to the location.

The driver (a 21 year old male) claimed to have “diplomatic immunity” which was determined to
not be the case. After several requests, the driver finally stepped out of the car and was
arrested for Obstructing Governmental Administration (OGA) and the aforementioned NYS V&T
charges.

A (a 42 year old female) passenger was arrested for OGA and another passenger (21 year old
female) became resistive and was ultimately charged with OGA and resisting arrest. The final
passenger (a 10-year-old female) stepped out of the vehicle and was asked to step to the side of
For more information or media requests please contact the Rochester Police Department
Public Information Officer: Investigator Jacqueline Shuman at 585-370-4575
mediarequest@cityofrochester.gov

Professionalism Respect Integrity Dedication Excellence

Rochester Police Department Media Release
Office of the Chief: La’Ron D. Singletary 185 Exchange Boulevard
the road and away from traffic. The 10 year-old was asked a few times by the officer to get out
of the roadway for everyone’s safety as cars were traveling down the expressway. The 10 year-
old during the encounter began to pull away from the officers. It appears the officer at this
point made a decision to handcuff the 10 year-old to assist in controlling the actions of the 10
year-old and for the safety of all involved as cars were traveling down the highway.

Chief Singletary has asked the Professional Standards Section to conduct a preliminary review of
the case to ensure all procedures and policies were followed by the officers during this incident.

Charged as follows:

(A-1) Sharelle D. Campbell, male, 1/29/78 Age 42 – front passenger - OGA

(A-2) Aquil Majors, 6/19/98 Age 21 – Driver – OGA, cracked windshield, no Inspection
Sticker, Unsafe tires (Bald)
(A-3) Sophia Dover, 9/5/98, Age 21 – Rear passenger – OGA, Resisting Arrest

For more information or media requests please contact the Rochester Police Department
Public Information Officer: Investigator Jacqueline Shuman at 585-370-4575
mediarequest@cityofrochester.gov

Professionalism Respect Integrity Dedication Excellence