Ogden police officer and student being investigated after viral video

OGDEN, Utah — The family of an Ogden High School student is calling for an Ogden police officer to be punished after a viral video shows he pinned their child against a wall.

The video spurred a use-of-force investigation.

Zach Zinsky told KSL TV the incident started after an officer caught him vaping at school.

“I handed him the puff bar, (then) he said ‘Alright come with me we’re going to the office you’re getting suspended,'” Zinsky said.

Zinsky then said he thought the officer tried to trip him, so he fired back saying if the officer didn’t have his badge, he “would’ve slapped him up against his bald head.” 

That’s when the police officer pushed Zinsky against the lockers in a hallway and attempted to arrest him.

Zinsky’s family said they want the officer to face consequences for what they believe is an excessive use of violence. 

“I would like the officer to be held accountable for his actions,” Zinsky’s mom said.

But the Ogden Police Department has opened a use-of-force investigation against Zinsky, and he could face criminal charges. According to reporting from KSL TV, Zinsky’s words are considered a threat. Under circumstances like that, retired deputy chief Chris Bertram said the officer is allowed to react the way he did.

The Ogden Police Department said on its Facebook page that they are conducting an internal review of the officer and considering criminal charges for the student. This is an active and ongoing investigation. 

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