FERGUSON, Mo. – A community holds its breath as Officer Travis Brown continues to fight for his life after suffering a brain injury Friday night during a protest outside the Ferguson Police Department. The alleged confrontation that left Officer Brown gravely injured began as a peaceful demonstration marking the 10 years since the death of Michael Brown.
St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell spoke with FOX 2 after visiting Officer Brown and his family at the hospital. Bell said Brown has made some improvement.
“We know that there’s been some progress and we, obviously, are happy about that,” he said. “We know there is still a lot more to go.”
Officer Brown, who joined the Ferguson Police Department this January, also served on the frontline of protests in 2014 as an officer with the St. Louis County Police Department.
On Saturday, Ferguson Police Chief Troy Doyle shared his frustrations.
“The Ferguson Police Department, since 2014, has been a punching bag for this community,” he said. “The police department back in 2014 – we don’t even have those police officers here anymore. So what are you protesting? “
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As tensions escalated late Friday evening, police said Officer Brown was pushed to the ground while attempting to arrest someone for property damage. His head struck the pavement.
“I think that what happened in Ferguson 10 years ago has been the impetus for change; positive change. But if we’re still hanging on to things that can’t happen, when we all know it can’t happen,” Bell said. “Now, let’s be clear: there’s no question right now on whether charges can be filed in (the Michael Brown Jr.) case. They can’t. The Department of Justice report is public to everyone. You can look at it.”
One witness would like the Ferguson Police Department to release the body camera footage from that night.
“If the chief says we’re different now, show (it). Show the body camera footage,” Chuck Modiano said. “If what you say is true, it will support you, and we’ve got nothing to worry about and this story is very different.”
The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Elijah Gantt, the man accused of shoving Officer Brown, with resisting arrest, first-degree property damage, first-degree assault, and two counts of fourth-degree assault.
FOX 2 reached out to the Ferguson Police Department for additional comment on Officer Brown’s condition. A spokesperson said no one was available for comment.
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