Uproar Over Arrest of Gang Leader Jorge Cornell

Staff Writer

9:53 AM EDT, August 4, 2009

Related links

*
Jorge Cornell Jorge Cornell Photo
*
Police: Home Invasion Connected to 'Latin Kings' Gang
*
Latin Kings Gang Leader Calls for Peace
*
Gang Leader to Run for Greensboro City Council

GREENSBORO N.C. (WGHP) - Supporters of a local gang leader are questioning the arrest of Jorge Cornell on alleged charges of obstructing a law enforcement officer.

Cornell and his supporters are calling the arrest another example of racial profiling by local law enforcement.

Click to watch video of officers arresting Cornell.

Greensboro Police Chief Tim Bellamy called Cornell's actions a "text book definition of obstructing law enforcement" and the officer was within the law when arresting him.

Cornell was attending a free concert on Elm Street with friends and handing out fliers for his campaign.

According to Greensboro Police, the video of Cornell's arrest does not show rival gang members flashing gang signs at the concert.

"They're only showing what they want to show. They didn't treat the guy bad," said Chief Bellamy.

A magistrate ordered that Cornell cannot walk in downtown Greensboro from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. His supporters claim the ruling is hampering his campaign to win a seat on the city council.

A Guilford College student who shot the video told a different story.

"They were saying hello to me, with no record or gang affiliation," said Eric Ginsburg.

Ginsburg said he was photographed by police because he was with Cornell. He claims he was harassed by Greensboro Police.

"The Gang Squad's behavior is reckless and a danger to the community," said Ginsburg.

For the majority of the public comment period of Monday's meeting, Cornell's supporters asked city leaders to step in.

Cornell is currently running at large for a seat on the Greensboro City council. At Monday night's meeting, his supporters called for an investigation of his arrest.
Read 3 comments »

http://www.myfox8.com/wghp-story-uproar ... 3635.story