ALLENTOWN, PA – The Allentown Police Department has addressed a viral social media video showing an officer using force during the arrest of a female suspect outside a bar in December 2023, stating the officer’s actions were justified.
The incident occurred on December 23 at approximately 2:00 a.m. after officers responded to a 9-1-1 call from bar staff about two underage females causing a disturbance. After being told to leave, the individuals initially complied but later returned to the entrance. When they refused repeated instructions to leave and showed signs of impairment, an officer attempted to arrest them. Police say the suspects resisted, leading to the use of force.
Both individuals were charged with multiple offenses, including simple assault, resisting arrest, and underage drinking. In 2024, they entered Lehigh County’s ARD program.
A department review concluded the officer’s use of force was consistent with policy. Police emphasized that body-worn camera footage provides a fuller account than the social media clip.