EMT cuffed by RPD investigator releases statement

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) – The EMT who was handcuffed in the Strong Memorial emergency department by a Rochester Police investigator has released a statement.

In a news conference Monday night, the group Save Rochester identified the Monroe Ambulance EMT as Lekia Smith and shared this message:

“ Hello, my name is Lekia Smith. Right now I want to thank everyone for their kind
words and prayers during this time. I am still having some mental and physical
difficulty after this incident, but despite it all, I am a fighter. I am just glad that God
allowed me to still be here to speak my truth, unlike those who have come before
me.
Once I am feeling better I just want my life to go back to normal and continue on in
my career as an EMT. I pray that this never happens to anyone again and I also
pray that the justice that is needed in this situation is served swiftly.”

Save Rochester took issue with the Locust Club’s characterization of what transpired after the confrontation that was caught on tape, calling the statement "egregiously misleading and wholly treacherous".

The police union claims the yet-to-be identified investigator and Smith "were able to jointly discuss the reasons for their actions, and both accepted each other’s explanations".

RPD announced Monday the investigator was suspended with pay pending the outcome of an internal investigation.