Hector Santiago-Stop and Shake Founder-Did Nothing Wrong During Council Debate but Got Arrested by a New Rochelle Cop at Yonkers City Hall? Spent the night in jail?
By Dan Murphy
Let me start by saying that Hector Santigao is a friend of mine and a great role model for the people of Yonkers. He has taken hundred mile walks to highlight the issue of mental illness, and most know Hector from his very successul Stop and Shake initiative, where he encourages Yonkers residents to meet, greet and interact with the Yonkers Police Department
So it was disturbing for me to hear that Hector was arrested during the City Council meeting held on Nov. 22. Santiago, and serveral other members of the audience were escorted out of the chanmbers, but Santiago did not commit and violence, nor was he involved in any fights between supporters and opponents of extending term limits for City elected officials.
We spoke to Santiago, but first here is what he posted on Facebook this morning, Nov. 26. “Thank you to everyone who has been checking on me. I have been back and fourth assessing all my injuries after the assault and rights violation at City Hall.
“For clarification , There was no fight, I did not argue with anyone sitting in the benches, nor was I attempting to “resist” .. I have been working in the field long enough to know how that plays out .. However , I now understand how “ Stop Resisting” is used to gaslight audience.
“After being manhandled by police out of the city council chambers , I was struck in the face and tackled to the ground while in a cast & sling from shoulder surgery I just got . This ordeal has put my healing journey in real jeopardy .
“I was accused & arrested by a plain clothed new Rochelle detective but was taken to Yonkers jail. Super confusing. I will be going live tomorrow evening at 5pm to share my ordeal . Please share this post and encourage your peoples to tune in ! We will not be silent,” said Santiago.
When we heard about Hector’s arrest, we inquired with the Yonkers Police Department and was told that they would notify us if they had any information. That was on Wed. Nov. 23, understanding that this is Thanksgiving weekend.
We spoke to Santiago, who told us that he will be holding a press conference with his attorney on Sunday Nov. 27, which can be viewed on his Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ThePeoplesMayor/ at 5pm.
While Hector is waiting until the press conference to release more details about what happened to him, he did speak with us briefly today, Nov. 26. He reminded us that he is a Human Rights Commissoner for the City of Yonkers.
“The 8 years that I put in for Stop & Shake is gone. I know the routine, but when I got to the hallway I was assaulted and arrested by a New Rochelle police officer. I had surgery on my rotator cuff and was not involved in any fight. One Yonkers police officer recognized me and helped me get into the lobby. City Hall has no cameras. I thought that the council chambers would be a safe place for me to be,” said Santiago, who was charged with obstructing justice, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.
With so many arrested individuals getting released without bail, it was surprising to hear that Santiago spent the night in jail. He was released on Wed. Nov. 23 at 515pm, just in time for Thanksgiving.
At the time I was arrested, I was no longer a public servant, Human Rights commissioner of the founder of Stop & Shake. I was just another hispanic. My community deserves an apology, they are saying if this could happen to you what about us?
Santiago did post a small piece of the police report which identifies the New Rochelle Police Officer as Detective Russel Kilgore.
A video link of the confronation in the council chambers, recorded by Ru Ros, Yonkers Voice at the link below.-https://www.facebook.com/princerobinson2023/videos/840261247400640/
