Carbondale Police Chief Kirk Wilson said Wednesday that his department continues to embrace the philosophy of community policing, and that a resisting arrest case against Michael Francisco, which has drawn considerable attention, is still under active investigation.
Wilson also said in the formal statement issued via email Wednesday morning that he welcomes a town review of the department’s policies and procedures, as called for by Mayor Dan Richardson.
“At this time the incident that took place on December 24, 2020 remains under investigation,” Wilson said. “We are also reviewing our policy and procedures to ensure they are up-to-date and are the best practices, and our officers are continually training with particular regard to racial bias and verbal de-escalation.”
Dozens turn out in support of Carbondale man who s tied up in odd municipal court case vaildaily.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from vaildaily.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Glenwood Springs Post Independent
Michael Francisco, left, speaks with a supporter outside Carbondale Town Hall after his municipal court hearing Monday evening.
John Stroud/Post Independent
It’s not often that a small-town municipal court case draws protesters, but an otherwise fairly routine hearing Monday night before the Carbondale town judge did just that.
Municipal court is typically reserved for petty offenses and the lowest-level misdemeanors, the latter of which is the case involving Michael Francisco of Carbondale.
But many questions have been raised in the community about Francisco’s Christmas Eve 2020 arrest at the local City Market store after what’s been described as a finger-pointing incident the intent of which his attorney says wasn’t threatening in any way.
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A recent Carbondale arrest involving a Black man that is wending its way through the municipal court system has raised questions about police discretion in the matter and alleged racial bias.
The situation even prompted a message from the town’s mayor ahead of a Monday afternoon court hearing where some residents have urged a public protest against the charges and a show of support for Michael Francisco.
“I would ask that we all approach this situation thoughtfully, and with due consideration, until we all reach a better collective understanding,” Carbondale Mayor Dan Richardson wrote in a statement posted to the town’s Public Works Facebook page